Smriti Mandhana named India Women captain (Source: AFP)Star batter Smriti Mandhana has been officially appointed the new captain of the Indian women's cricket team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the decision hours after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as India’s captain across all three formats.Mandhana, one of India’s most experienced players, will now lead the team in white-ball cricket. She will begin her full-time captaincy with the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.It is worth noting that BCCI has also announced India's ODI and T20I squad for the Zimbabwe Women tour of India 2026.Smriti Mandhana Set To Lead India Against ZimbabweThe Indian team will play three T20Is and three ODIs against Zimbabwe. Smriti Mandhana has already led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, giving her valuable experience in the leadership role.The BCCI said Mandhana has been an important part of Indian women’s cricket since making her international debut in 2013. She has also shown her leadership skills in domestic and franchise cricket."The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announces the appointment of Smriti Mandhana as the captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team," the BCCI said on its website.The stylish batter also recently guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.ALSO READList Of All Major Titles Won By Smriti MandhanaSpeaking on her appointment, Smriti Mandhana said - “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. I am grateful to the BCCI, the selectors, my teammates and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey and for the trust they have placed in me."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."I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian Cricket forward.”Smriti Mandhana's Captaincy Record For IndiaYearsSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableMatchesSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableWon/LostSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableTied/NRSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table%WSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table2019-2026 (ODIs)SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table18SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table11/6SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table0/1SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table61.11SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table2024-2025 (T20Is)SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table4SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table4/0SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table0/0SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table100SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table(Smriti Mandhana's captaincy record in ODIs and T20Is for India)Smriti Mandhana has been India’s vice-captain for several years and has worked closely with Harmanpreet Kaur in major ICC tournaments.It is important to note that Mandhana also became the youngest Indian player, male or female, to captain the T20I team. She led India against England in 2019 when she was 22 years and 229 days old.ALSO READIndia Women Squad For Zimbabwe ODIs Named; Harmanpreet Kaur Included
.jpg?type=mq "India Squad For New Zealand T20Is Announced; Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns After 4 Years")
.jpg?type=mq "Watch -Ishan Kishan Stuns Himself With Brilliant Sliding Catch In IND vs WI 1st T20I")
.jpg?type=mq "Was Shimron Hetmyer Out or Not Out? ICC Rule Explained Over Controversial Run-Out")