Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of India’s women’s cricket team. The BCCI announced the decision on Tuesday after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the role.Mandhana, 30, has represented India since 2013 and brings strong leadership experience. She has previously led India in 22 white-ball matches — 18 T20Is and four ODIs — and captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.“To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour,” Mandhana said in a BCCI statement.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team.” She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution as captain over the years.Harmanpreet, 37, led India to last year’s historic ODI World Cup triumph and the Asian Games gold medal. She remains part of both squads for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.Mandhana’s first assignment as full-time captain will be the home series against Zimbabwe — three T20Is in Raipur from October 16 and three ODIs in Vadodara from October 23. Shafali Verma will be her T20I deputy, and Deepti Sharma the ODI deputy.