Smriti Mandhana Appointed Captain of Indian Women's Cricket Team
The BCCI has appointed Smriti Mandhana as the full-time captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team. Bringing extensive experience and a proven WPL winning record with RCB, she succeeds Harmanpreet Kaur in leading the side into a new phase. 'To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour,' Mandhana said.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the appointment of seasoned opening batter Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team. Mandhana steps into the full-time leadership role as the team enters a fresh phase, bringing extensive international experience dating back to her debut in 2013.
Proven Leadership and Track Record
Having been a cornerstone of Indian women's cricket for over a decade, Mandhana has previously captained India across 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs. Her leadership credentials are further underlined by her success in domestic and franchise cricket, most notably guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. Harmanpreet Kaur Quits Captaincy Across All Formats.
A dawn of a new era ✨
Smriti Mandhana takes charge as the Captain of the Indian Women's cricket team 🇮🇳
Go well, Captain 🫡
More details ▶️ https://t.co/tbLb4jOiCn
#TeamIndia | @mandhana_smriti https://t.co/27AxmrUhKt
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2026
Leadership Reactions
Reacting to her new assignment, Smriti Mandhana said: “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." She further added, "I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet and the contribution she has made as captain over the years. She has led the team with great commitment and has been an important part of our journey. I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian Cricket forward.”
BCCI President Mr Mithun Manhas expressed confidence in the newly appointed captain: “I congratulate Smriti on being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Women's Cricket Team. She has been an important part of Indian cricket for many years and has consistently shown the qualities required to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be valuable as she takes on this responsibility."
He further said, "The BCCI has full confidence in Smriti and I am sure she will approach this role with the same commitment and professionalism that she has shown throughout her career. On behalf of the BCCI, I wish her the very best and look forward to seeing her lead the team into this new chapter.” Echoing similar sentiments, BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr Devajit Saikia added: “Congratulations to Smriti on this important responsibility. She has grown into one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been part of some very important moments in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. She understands what it means to represent India and I am confident that she will bring that understanding to her role as captain." Who Will Be India Women’s Team’s Next Captain After Harmanpreet Kaur’s Retirement?
Sakia added, “Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on. Her success as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League is another example of her leadership qualities. I wish her and the team every success in the journey ahead and look forward to seeing Indian Cricket continue to progress under her leadership.”
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2026 09:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
