Smriti Mandhana named India captain for Zimbabwe series
Smriti Mandhana takes over as full-time captain for the Zimbabwe series starting October 16.
Smriti Mandhana will lead India for the first time as full-time captain when the team hosts Zimbabwe for three T20Is and three ODIs beginning October 16 in Raipur. The 30-year-old replaces Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from the role earlier this month.
Mandhana has captained India on an interim basis in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, winning 11 T20Is and all four ODIs. She said the series offers a chance to set performance standards ahead of the Women's Champions Trophy in February 2027. Niki Prasad and Jintimani Kalita earned their first T20I call-ups while Nandani Sharma joined the ODI squad.
The 1st T20I starts on October 16 at Raipur, followed by matches on October 18 and 20. The ODIs begin on October 23 at Vadodara.
CricHubb Take
The timing gives Mandhana six T20Is to establish her leadership approach before the Champions Trophy, a window that could determine whether interim success translates into sustained team direction.