Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as the new all-format captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur in the leadership role. The change was confirmed by the BCCI on Tuesday, October 6, after Harmanpreet stepped down as India’s all-format captain earlier in the day. Harmanpreet’s decision comes shortly after she guided India to a gold medal at the Asian Games 2026.

Having led the team through an important phase of its journey, she has now handed over the captaincy to one of Indian cricket’s most accomplished batters. After being named the new skipper, Smriti Mandhana was quick to acknowledge Harmanpreet Kaur’s contribution to the team. The left-handed opener praised her former captain’s commitment and highlighted the important role she has played in Indian women’s cricket.

“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,” Smriti Mandhana said in a BCCI release.

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Mandhana has previously led India in several ODI and T20I matches, but she will now take charge on a full-time basis. Her first assignment as India’s permanent captain will come on October 16, when India face Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Raipur.

Honoured. Grateful. Ready. 💙

@mandhana_smriti reflects on the immense pride of becoming #TeamIndia Captain and carrying the legacy forward 🫡🇮🇳 https://t.co/qFooagUeJr

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 6, 2026

The new India women’s captain described the opportunity as a special honour and thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and supporters for the trust placed in her.

“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,” Smriti Mandhana said. She also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with captaining India and expressed her desire to continue learning while helping the team move forward.

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Mandhana, who is the highest run-scorer in women’s cricket, will lead India during a six-match tour of Zimbabwe. The two teams will play three T20Is from October 16, with all matches scheduled in Raipur, before moving to Vadodara for three ODIs on October 23, 25 and 28. With a new leadership era beginning, all eyes will now be on how Mandhana shapes the Indian women’s team across formats.