Mandhana has been handed the white‑ball skipper’s armband, stepping into the role that Harmanpreet Kaur vacated after ten years at the helm. The 30‑year‑old left‑handed opener will now guide the team across all formats.
Mandhana’s résumé is a record book in itself – more than 10,000 runs across formats, 18 T20Is and four ODIs under her captaincy banner, and WPL titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024 and 2026. Her batting prowess and leadership acumen have earned her a place among India’s most influential women cricketers.
Harmanpreet’s era was defined by triumphs: a 2025 ODI World Cup win, consecutive Asian Games gold medals in 2018 and 2022, and a decade of steady growth for the side. Her decision to step down came after a BCCI review, signalling the end of a historic chapter.
The message from Mandhana on Instagram was a heartfelt tribute – praising a decade of leadership and pledging to continue the quest for national laurels. Her words underscore a seamless transition, keeping the team’s momentum intact.
With the new captaincy in place, India’s women’s team is eyeing the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the bilateral series against England. The baton is passed, but the ambition remains unchanged: to lift more trophies for the nation.