Smriti Mandhana Takes Charge As India Women’s Full-Time White-Ball Captain

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Smriti Mandhana as the permanent captain of the Indian women’s white-ball teams after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role.

Mandhana has previously captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs. She will now assume full-time responsibility across the two limited-overs formats.

Mandhana has remained one of Indian women’s cricket’s leading performers and has contributed significantly to the team’s development across formats.

The left-hander has also built a strong leadership record in domestic and franchise cricket. Most recently, she guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.

The BCCI highlighted Mandhana’s experience since her international debut in 2013 and expressed confidence in her ability to guide the team through its next phase.

Mandhana described the appointment as a special honour and thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and supporters for their faith in her.

She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution to Indian cricket, praising her commitment and leadership during her tenure.

Mandhana said she understands the responsibility attached to captaining India and intends to learn, work closely with her teammates and help Indian cricket progress.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas congratulated Mandhana and said her experience, cricketing knowledge and leadership qualities would prove valuable.

Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also backed the appointment, pointing to Mandhana’s experience with the national side and her successful leadership of RCB in the WPL.

The appointment marks a new chapter for India’s women’s cricket team following Harmanpreet’s decision to step aside from captaincy.

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