Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down: Smriti Mandhana Appointed Captain of ഇന്ത്യൻ ദേശീയ വനിതാ ക്രിക്കറ്റ് ടീം

The ഇന്ത്യന് ദേശീയ വനിതാ ക്രിക്കറ്റ് ടീം (Indian Women's National Cricket Team) has undergone a significant leadership transition. On October 6-7, 2026, Harmanpreet Kaur resigned as captain across all formats, leading to the appointment of Smriti Mandhana as the new captain for all formats. This move is part of a strategic effort by the BCCI to build a squad focused on the 2028 T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics.

The 'All-or-Nothing' Resignation

The change in leadership followed a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati, where the performance of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and head coach Amol Majumdar was evaluated. According to reports, the BCCI proposed a partial transition, suggesting that Kaur continue as captain for the One Day International (ODI) format while handing over T20 and Test captaincies to Smriti Mandhana Mathrubhumi. However, Kaur declined this offer and opted to resign from all formats entirely.

The pressure for a leadership change reportedly stemmed from India's failure to reach the knockout stages in two consecutive T20 World Cups Manorama Online. In a social media post, the 37-year-old Kaur stated that while the decision was not easy, she stepped down with "complete happiness and peace," noting that her journey with cricket continues even as her captaincy ends.

Harmanpreet Kaur's Captaincy Record

Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure as leader was marked by several major milestones, including leading India to its first women's ODI World Cup title in 2025, winning two T20 Asia Cup titles, and securing an Asian Games gold medal Manorama News. Her statistical record as captain includes:

• T20 Internationals: 155 matches
• One Day Internationals: 51 matches
• Test Matches: 5 matches

New Leadership Structure and Upcoming Series

Smriti Mandhana, who has previously led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two titles in the Women's Premier League, now takes full charge of the national team. To support her, the BCCI has appointed format-specific vice-captains for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe, which begins on October 16 in Raipur.

Format	Captain	Vice-Captain
T20 International	Smriti Mandhana	Shafali Verma
One Day International	Smriti Mandhana	Deepti Sharma

The Zimbabwe series will feature three T20Is (scheduled for October 16, 18, and 20) and three ODIs (scheduled for October 23, 25, and 28). The T20 squad also includes Kerala player Minnu Mani Manorama Online.