1 hr ago
Smriti Mandhana Named India Women’s Captain After Harmanpreet Steps Down
India’s women’s cricket team has a new captain for its one-day and T20 matches.
Smriti Mandhana is taking over after Harmanpreet Kaur chose to stop being captain.
Harmanpreet is still going to play for India.
Mandhana has led India in some matches before.
She has also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women’s Premier League titles.
The cricket board said her experience will help as the team moves into a new phase.
Harmanpreet had led India to its first ODI World Cup title in 2025.
The BCCI appointed Smriti Mandhana as India’s full-time white-ball captain after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down across formats.
Harmanpreet announced her decision on social media; she remains part of the team as a player.
The change followed a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati that discussed the team’s direction and recent performances.
Mandhana has previously captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs.
She led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
- Who
- Smriti Mandhana was appointed captain, replacing Harmanpreet Kaur.
- What
- Mandhana became India’s full-time white-ball captain after Harmanpreet stepped down across formats.
- Where
- The announcement concerned India’s women’s cricket team; a preceding review meeting was held in Guwahati.
- When
- The BCCI announced the appointment on Tuesday; the articles do not give a consistent calendar date.
- Why
- Harmanpreet stepped down, and the BCCI cited Mandhana’s experience and leadership qualities.
Leadership change
Continuity and transition
Reason for the handover
Leadership change
Reports linked the review and leadership change to India’s recent performances, including its exit from the T20 World Cup before the semifinals.
Continuity and transition
Harmanpreet said stepping down was her own decision, while the BCCI presented Mandhana’s experience and leadership record as grounds for the appointment.
Harmanpreet’s role
Leadership change
Harmanpreet relinquished captaincy across formats after leading India to major achievements, including the 2025 ODI World Cup title.
Continuity and transition
She is not leaving the team; she said she is ready to continue playing.
Key facts
- Appointed captain
- Smriti Mandhana
- Previous captain
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Role
- Full-time captain of India’s white-ball team
- Prior India captaincy
- 18 T20Is and four ODIs
- Franchise leadership
- Led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to WPL titles in 2024 and 2026
- Harmanpreet’s World Cup achievement
- Led India to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup title
- Review meeting location
- Guwahati
Quotes
Board of Control for Cricket in India
India’s cricket governing body, which announced Mandhana’s appointment.
“To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply. I am grateful to the BCCI, the selectors, my teammates and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey and for the trust they have placed in me.”
timesnownews.com
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announces the appointment of Smriti Mandhana as the captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team.”
livemint.com
Sources
Smriti Mandhana takes charge as India women’s new captain after Harmanpreet Kaur steps down
Smriti Mandhana named India women’s captain as Harmanpreet Kaur steps down
Smriti Mandhana Appointed India Women's Cricket Team Captain After Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down
Smriti Mandhana appointed India Women's captain after Harmanpreet Kaur steps down
Smriti Mandhana Replaces Harmanpreet Kaur As India's All-Format Captain
Related news
Mandhana Poised to Lead India After Harmanpreet Steps Down
Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down After India’s World Cup Triumph
Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Captain; Legends Approve
Diana Edulji Urges Smriti Mandhana to Replace Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet Kaur Resigns After Decade as India's Captain
Mithali Raj Reflects on Harmanpreet Kaur’s Evolution as Captain
