Smriti Mandhana appointed India women's captain in all three formats

Smriti Mandhana is India's new women's cricket captain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the appointment late on Tuesday evening, handing the star batter charge of the national side in all three formats.

The announcement followed within hours of Harmanpreet Kaur giving up the job. Harmanpreet said on Tuesday that she was quitting as captain across formats, a call that came a day after the BCCI's review meeting, which had set off plenty of talk in cricketing circles. She spoke of letting go of the captaincy with a heavy heart, but made it clear that she would stay on as a player in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Once she stepped aside, speculation over her successor began almost immediately, and the BCCI's decision has now settled it.

Mandhana had been the team's vice-captain until now. She has been a regular in the side since 2013 and is counted among the highest run-getters in women's cricket. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the BCCI pointed to that long experience and her contribution to the sport. It said the team is entering a new phase and that the task of building on the progress of recent years now rests with her.

Her record as a leader is not new. In Harmanpreet's absence she has captained India in 18 T20 internationals and four ODIs. She has also led in franchise cricket. She recently guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) title, her second as captain, after the 2024 triumph under her.

Harmanpreet leaves the role as one of the most successful captains India's women have had. Under her, the team made history last year by winning the Women's ODI World Cup for the first time.

Reacting to her appointment, Mandhana said, "Being given the responsibility of captaining India is a moment of great honour for me. Representing India has always been very important to me, and getting the chance to lead the team now is special for me. I sincerely thank the BCCI, the selection committee, my teammates and everyone who has supported me and believed in me on this journey."

She also paid tribute to the outgoing captain. Mandhana said, "I want to make a special mention of the contribution Harmanpreet Kaur has made to the Indian team as captain. She has led the team with complete dedication. I am aware of the responsibility that comes with this new role. I am eager to give my best to work with the team, learn new things and take Indian cricket forward."

BCCI president Mithun Minhas also congratulated her. He said, "I heartily congratulate Smriti Mandhana on being handed the captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team. Her long experience will prove very valuable for the team in the times ahead."

Board secretary Devajit Saikia said, "Heartfelt congratulations to Smriti for this important responsibility. She has become one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been a witness to many historic moments in the journey of women's cricket. She knows well the importance of representing India, and I am fully confident that she will discharge this responsibility very well as captain."