Mandhana named India captain after Harmanpreet steps down

Smriti Mandhana has been handed the India women's captaincy in all formats after Harmanpreet Kaur stood down. The 30-year-old left-handed opener has served as Harmanpreet's deputy for several years and has already led the side in patches.

Her record shows 11 wins from 18 T20Is and four ODI wins from four matches. The real test came in 2023 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru made her their first WPL captain. She delivered consecutive titles in 2024 and 2026, finishing as the competition's top run-scorer in the second season.

Handling a dressing room that includes Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine and Richa Ghosh has required both tactical nous and man-management skills that the franchise clearly trusts.