Smriti Mandhana appointed new India women captain

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the Indian women's cricket team. Mandhana succeeds Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down as captain across formats earlier on Tuesday (October 6).

The left-hander said she was honoured to be entrusted with the role and reserved special praise for Harmanpreet for her contribution to the team over the years.

“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.”

Mandhana has had a taste of India captaincy on several occasions as Harmanpreet's vice-captain. She has a spotless record in ODIs with four wins in as many games as skipper. Mandhana has also led India in 18 T20Is with 11 wins, six losses and a no result.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas congratulated Mandhana on her appointment and expressed confidence in her leadership abilities.

“I congratulate Smriti on being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Women's Cricket Team. She has been an important part of Indian cricket for many years and has consistently shown the qualities required to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be valuable as she takes on this responsibility.

“The BCCI has full confidence in Smriti, and I am sure she will approach this role with the same commitment and professionalism she has shown throughout her career. On behalf of the BCCI, I wish her the very best and look forward to seeing her lead the team into this new chapter.”

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also congratulated Mandhana and highlighted her experience and leadership credentials.

“Congratulations to Smriti on this important responsibility. She has grown into one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been part of some very important moments in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. She understands what it means to represent India, and I am confident that she will bring that understanding to her role as captain.

“Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on. Her success as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League is another example of her leadership qualities. I wish her and the team every success in the journey ahead and look forward to seeing Indian cricket continue to progress under her leadership.”