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The BCCI has announced a major leadership change in Indian women’s cricket. Smriti Mandhana has been named the new full-time captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down from captaincy.
The announcement came along with India’s T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour. While Mandhana will lead India across all formats, Shefali Verma and Deepti Sharma have been appointed vice-captains for the T20I and ODI teams respectively.
Smriti Mandhana Takes Over as India Women’s All-Format Captain
Smriti Mandhana will take charge of the Indian women’s team after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from captaincy across all three formats.
The Zimbabwe tour will mark the beginning of Mandhana’s tenure as India’s full-time all-format captain. She will now lead the team in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
After receiving the new responsibility, Mandhana thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and everyone who supported her throughout her cricket journey. She described leading India as a special honour and acknowledged the responsibility attached to the role.
Mandhana also praised Harmanpreet Kaur and other former leaders for their contributions to Indian women’s cricket.
BCCI Announces New Vice-Captains for T20I and ODI Teams
The BCCI has also revealed the new vice-captains for India’s limited-overs teams.
Shefali Verma has been appointed vice-captain of the T20I team, while Deepti Sharma will serve as vice-captain of the ODI side.
The appointments give India a new leadership combination as the team prepares for the Zimbabwe tour.
Shefali Verma Named T20I Vice-Captain After Major Leadership Change
Shefali Verma will support Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain of the T20I team.
The young opener has become an important part of India’s T20 setup, and the new leadership role adds another responsibility to her international career.
Deepti Sharma Gets ODI Vice-Captaincy Role Alongside Mandhana
Deepti Sharma has been handed the vice-captaincy of India’s ODI team.
The experienced all-rounder will work alongside Mandhana in the 50-over format. Her experience with both bat and ball will be an important asset to the new leadership group.
Harmanpreet Kaur Retained in India’s T20I and ODI Squads
Although Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain, she remains part of both India’s T20I and ODI squads for the Zimbabwe tour.
Her presence means the team will continue to benefit from the experience of one of its most established players even as a new leadership era begins.
India Women’s T20I Squad Announced for Zimbabwe Tour
The BCCI has selected a 15-member squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe.
T20I Squad: Smriti Mandhana (Captain), Shefali Verma (Vice-Captain), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Kamalini, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita and Minnu Mani.
India Women’s ODI Squad Announced for Zimbabwe Tour
The ODI squad also features Smriti Mandhana as captain and Deepti Sharma as vice-captain.
ODI Squad: Smriti Mandhana (Captain), Deepti Sharma (Vice-Captain), Shefali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Yastika Bhatia (Wicketkeeper), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare and Renuka Thakur.
Smriti Mandhana, Shefali and Deepti Form New Leadership Group
The latest BCCI announcement gives Indian women’s cricket a new leadership structure.
| Format | Captain | Vice-Captain |
|---|---|---|
| T20I | Smriti Mandhana | Shefali Verma |
| ODI | Smriti Mandhana | Deepti Sharma |
| Test | Smriti Mandhana | - |
With Mandhana leading across all three formats, Shefali taking charge as T20I vice-captain and Deepti serving as ODI vice-captain, India will enter the next phase with a revamped leadership group.
Zimbabwe Tour to Mark Smriti Mandhana’s First Full-Time Captaincy Assignment
The upcoming Zimbabwe tour will be a significant milestone for Mandhana as she begins her full-time tenure as India’s all-format captain.
The focus will now shift to how the new leadership group performs and how the team adapts following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down.
BCCI’s New Leadership Era Begins After Harmanpreet Kaur’s Exit
The change marks a fresh chapter for Indian women’s cricket. While Harmanpreet Kaur will continue contributing as a player, Smriti Mandhana will take responsibility for leading the team across formats.
The Zimbabwe tour will therefore provide the first major opportunity to see India under Mandhana’s full-time leadership.
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