Smriti Mandhana Named India Women’s Full-Time Captain as Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down

A Change at the Top

Smriti Mandhana has been named India women’s full-time cricket captain, with Harmanpreet Kaur stepping down after a tenure that included the team’s first Asian Games gold and other landmark wins.

Harmanpreet’s Legacy

Harmanpreet led India through a period widely seen as transformative for women’s cricket in the country, and she remains part of the squad as a senior player.

Why Mandhana

Mandhana has been India’s vice-captain and one of its most consistent batters across formats, and has already led the side in parts of recent series.

What’s Next

Mandhana’s first assignments as full-time captain are expected in India’s upcoming home and away fixtures; the board is yet to name a vice-captain.

Sourced from ESPNcricinfo and Daily Current Affairs reports, 7 October 2026.