Smriti Mandhana – New Captain, Proven Leader
Smriti Mandhana has entered a new chapter in her cricketing career after being appointed the full-time captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced her appointment on October 6, 2026, following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down from captaincy across all formats. Mandhana brings valuable international experience and an impressive leadership record to the role. She has been a key member of India’s batting lineup for years and has also served as vice-captain, gaining experience in guiding the team during important matches. Her leadership credentials are further strengthened by her success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League, where she led the franchise to championship titles in 2024 and 2026. These achievements have demonstrated her ability to lead a team and handle pressure on the big stage. As India’s new captain, Mandhana will aim to build a strong team culture, back emerging pl...