In a major leadership transition for Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (
Mandhana, a seasoned campaigner who has been a staple of the Indian side since 2013, steps into the role with significant experience. While she now assumes full-time leadership duties, she is no stranger to the position, having previously captained the side in 18 T20Is and four ODIs. Harmanpreet, who has served as a pivotal leader for years, will remain with the squad as a player.
A New Chapter for Indian Women’s Cricket
Harmanpreet’s departure from the captaincy marks the end of a highly successful era. Since taking charge of the T20I side in 2016 and assuming full-time ODI and Test captaincy in 2022, she oversaw several landmark achievements. Her tenure was highlighted by India’s historic maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025 and gold medal victories at the Asian Games, including the most recent success in Nagoya. Additionally, she became the most-capped player in women’s international cricket earlier this year.
Reflecting on her new appointment, Mandhana expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. She described the captaincy as a very special honour and emphasized her commitment to the team. Mandhana also took a moment to pay tribute to her predecessor, acknowledging the dedication and commitment Harmanpreet brought to the role throughout her tenure.
Proven Leadership and Future Outlook
The BCCI’s decision to appoint Mandhana is bolstered by her impressive track record in franchise cricket. As the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she led the team to consecutive Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. BCCI president Mithun Manhas praised her consistency and ability to lead from the front, while honorary secretary Devajit Saikia noted that her temperament and experience make her well-suited for the challenges ahead.
Mandhana is set to lead the squad in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, with both T20I and ODI squads now confirmed. The T20I side will feature Shafali Verma as vice-captain, while Deepti Sharma will serve as vice-captain for the ODI format. As she begins this new phase, Mandhana stated that she is focused on working closely with the team and continuing to drive Indian cricket forward.
