Shafali Verma to be T20I vice-captain, Deepti Sharma to serve as ODI deputy
New Delhi: Star opener Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats—Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is)—following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down from the leadership role.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has entrusted Mandhana with the responsibility of leading the team into an important phase of international cricket. Shafali Verma, her opening partner, will serve as vice-captain in T20Is, while Deepti Sharma has been named ODI vice-captain. Harmanpreet will continue to represent India as a batter.
India’s first assignment under Mandhana’s leadership will be a home series against Zimbabwe, featuring three T20Is from October 16 to 28, followed by three ODIs.
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Mandhana described the opportunity to captain India in all three formats as a special honour. She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution to Indian women’s cricket, praising her commitment and leadership throughout her tenure.
Mandhana’s appointment comes amid an impressive individual record. In September 2026, she surpassed Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in international women’s cricket, according to the report. She has also established herself as India’s most prolific century-maker across the three international formats.
The new captain will be expected to guide India through a significant period that includes preparations for the inaugural Women’s Cricket Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2027, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Changes in India’s T20I Squad
India have made four changes to their T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series. Bharati Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav have been left out, while Meenu Mani, Anushka Sharma, Niki Prasad and Jintimani Kalita have been included.
India’s T20I squad: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), G Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandini Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita and Meenu Mani.
T20I schedule against Zimbabwe:
- October 16: First T20I, Raipur
- October 18: Second T20I, Raipur
- October 20: Third T20I, Raipur
Nandini Sharma the New Face in ODI Squad
Fast bowler Nandini Sharma is the only new face in India’s ODI squad, having previously represented the country in T20Is.
India have made five changes to the ODI squad that featured in the series against Australia in February–March 2026. Tejal Hasabnis, Yastika Bhatia, Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandini Sharma and Sayali Satghare have been included. Jemimah Rodrigues remains unavailable because of a muscle strain.
India’s ODI squad: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Deepti Sharma (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandini Sharma, Sree Charani, Sayali Satghare and Renuka Thakur.
ODI schedule against Zimbabwe:
- October 23: First ODI, Vadodara
- October 25: Second ODI, Vadodara
- October 28: Third ODI, Vadodara
Mandhana’s elevation marks a new leadership chapter for Indian women’s cricket, with the team preparing for a demanding international calendar and several major tournaments in the coming years.
