Players Who Can Replace Harmanpreet Kaur As India's T20 Captain After T20 World Cup 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana (Source: AFP)

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached a crucial stage, with teams fighting for a place in the semi-finals. India entered the tournament with high expectations after winning their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title in 2025.

It is important to note that India began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with convincing wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan. However, defeat against South Africa exposed a few crucial weakness in the side.

The defeat also raised several questions about the performance of Harmanpreet Kaur. The star player has struggled to make a significant impact with the bat.

She scored 36 off 35 balls against Pakistan, 12 off 9 balls against the Netherlands, and 24 off 22 balls against South Africa. 

While she remains one of India's most experienced players and recently completed 200 international matches as captain, questions are being raised about her future as T20I skipper. 

At 37 years of age, there is a possibility that India may look at long-term leadership options after the tournament.

Also Read: India's Semifinal Qualification Scenario In Women's T20 World Cup 2026 After Defeat Vs SA

So, having said this, in this article, let’s take a look at the three players from the current Indian set-up that can replace Harmanpreet Kaur in the T20I format. 

Harmanpreet Kaur's Replacements as Future India Captain

Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana is the strongest candidate to take over the captaincy if India decides to make a change in the T20I set-up. The left-handed opener has been India's vice-captain for several years and has worked closely with Harmanpreet Kaur during major ICC tournaments.

Her captaincy record is also impressive, she has led RCB to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.

She also became the youngest Indian player, male or female, to captain the T20I side, leading India against England in 2019 at the age of 22 years and 229 days.

Given her experience and leadership background, Mandhana appears to be the natural successor to Harmanpreet Kaur.

(Smriti Mandhana's captaincy record in T20Is for India)

Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Rodrigues is another strong option for India's future leadership plans in place of Harmanpreet Kaur. She is just 25, making her an attractive long-term candidate for captaincy.

Rodrigues also has her captaincy credentials; in 2023, she captained Mumbai to their first-ever Senior Women’s T20 Challenge title.

She was also appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the WPL 2026 season. At just 25 years and 127 days old, she became the youngest captain in WPL history. 

Under her leadership, Delhi Capitals reached their fourth consecutive WPL final, showing her ability to manage a high-profile team.

Shafali Verma

Shafali Verma is perhaps the most exciting long-term option among the current Indian players as Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy replacement.  At only 22 years old, she has time on her side and could be groomed as a future captain.

The aggressive opener is already a proven leader. Her biggest achievement came in 2023 when she captained India to victory in the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Apart from international cricket, Shafali has also gained leadership experience in domestic cricket while representing Haryana. Her fearless attitude and attacking style of play make her a crucial player as well as captaincy option. 

While she may not be ready to take over immediately, India Women could view her as a long-term investment.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav Complete Delhi Capitals-LSG Trade For IPL 2027