Smriti Mandhana flags T20I areas for improvement ahead of Zimbabwe series

India captain Smriti Mandhana said the team will use the upcoming six-match series against Zimbabwe to fine-tune its T20I approach. The series marks Mandhana's first assignment as full-time captain and begins with three T20Is in Raipur from October 16 before three ODIs in Vadodara. Mandhana told reporters the team wants to set clear standards before the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy in February 2027.

Mandhana acknowledged that India still have work to do in the T20I format despite recent success. She said several players who have come into the side have performed well but preferred to focus on positives rather than weaknesses at the start of her tenure. The captain noted that six T20 matches remain before the Champions Trophy and the team will use the Zimbabwe series to establish its approach for the next three months.

All three T20Is will be played at Raipur while Vadodara hosts the ODI leg. India have won the World Cup in the last 18 months but Mandhana believes certain areas still need attention in the shortest format.