Smriti Mandhana appointed captain of Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur steps down
On 6 October 2026, the BCCI appointed Smriti Mandhana as captain of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the captaincy across all formats.
Summary
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on 6 October 2026 the appointment of Smriti Mandhana as captain of the Indian women's cricket team, after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain across all formats earlier the same day. Harmanpreet had led India to the 2025 ODI World Cup title, the team's first global (ICC) title. Mandhana, part of the Indian team since 2013, had earlier led India in 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs and captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026; India's next series is against Zimbabwe from 16 October 2026.
Key facts
- New captain
- Smriti Mandhana
- Announced by
- BCCI, 6 October 2026
- Predecessor
- Harmanpreet Kaur (stepped down across all formats)
- Harmanpreet's big win
- 2025 ODI World Cup – India's first global title
- Mandhana's earlier captaincy
- 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs
- WPL
- Led RCB to WPL titles in 2024 and 2026
- In Indian team since
- 2013
- Next series
- vs Zimbabwe from 16 October 2026
- BCCI President
- Mithun Manhas
Practice MCQs 3 questions
In October 2026, who was appointed captain of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down?
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Correct answer: C — Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana captained which franchise to Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Consider the following statements: 1. In October 2026, Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as India captain only in T20 Internationals. 2. Before becoming full-time captain, Smriti Mandhana had led India in 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only