Raipur: A new chapter in Indian women’s cricket is set to begin as Smriti Mandhana takes charge as captain across all three international formats, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana’s leadership debut in T20 internationals is scheduled for the opening match of India’s three-match series against Zimbabwe in Raipur on Friday.
Harmanpreet stepped down from captaincy after leading India to a second consecutive women’s T20 gold medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. She will, however, continue to represent the country as a player.
Mandhana, one of the leading opening batters in world cricket, enters her new role with considerable international experience. She has scored 11,066 runs and 18 centuries across Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals for India. The 30-year-old has also captained Maharashtra in domestic cricket, guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women’s Premier League titles and previously led India in 18 T20 internationals, winning 11 and losing six.
“I would not say captaincy is an entirely new responsibility for me, but I have been looking forward to it,” Mandhana said, expressing confidence that she would be able to do justice to the role.
She also stressed that the added responsibility would not alter her batting approach. Mandhana recalled that her coach had advised her at the age of 15 to take responsibility for an innings mentally, a lesson she believes will continue to guide her as captain.
Major Challenges Ahead
Mandhana’s immediate assignment includes three T20 internationals against Zimbabwe, followed by a three-match ODI series. The tour is significant for Zimbabwe, whose women’s team is set to play its first bilateral series against India. Raipur will also host a women’s international cricket match for the first time.
Beyond the series, Mandhana faces major challenges in the years ahead, including the Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 and the Los Angeles Olympics and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028. India will be looking to improve its performance at the T20 World Cup after failing to reach the knockout stage in the previous two editions.
The key question will be whether Mandhana can maintain her prolific batting form while shouldering the additional demands of leadership. Her performances over the past three years, including two T20 international centuries and 15 half-centuries, underline her importance to the side.
She will have support from vice-captain and opening partner Shafali Verma, who has been in impressive form. Verma has scored 320 runs in her last five T20 internationals, including a century and two half-centuries, remaining unbeaten twice.
India’s middle order will draw on the experience of former captain Harmanpreet Kaur, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and all-rounder Deepti Sharma. However, the absence of Jemimah Rodrigues due to a thigh injury leaves the team with a selection decision at number three. India could consider giving opportunities to Niki Prasad or Anushka Sharma following their performances for India A against Australia A.
The team may also look to strengthen its spin options after off-spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil was ruled out again through injury. Leg-spinner Prema Rawat could come into contention alongside Deepti Sharma and left-arm spinner Sree Charani. Young fast bowlers Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma provide further pace options.
Zimbabwe Face a Formidable Test
Zimbabwe arrive in India after recording a historic ODI victory over the West Indies women’s team last month. However, their T20 international record presents a challenge: the side has yet to register a win in the format this year and has lost all its previous five T20 internationals.
India, by contrast, have won their last five T20 internationals and are carrying momentum into the series. Zimbabwe have retained the squad that featured against the West Indies in September and October.
Their batting will rely heavily on Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, while the bowling attack includes Michell Mavunga, Christabel Mutaja, Tendai Makusha, Nomvelo Sibanda and Kudzai Chigora. Nyasha Gwanzura and other spin options will also be expected to contribute.
India’s bowling resources, including Sree Charani and experienced spinner Deepti Sharma, could pose a significant challenge to the visitors.
Mandhana Looks to Build on Harmanpreet’s Legacy
Mandhana acknowledged the importance of Harmanpreet’s experience and support as she begins her captaincy tenure. The two have already discussed the direction of Indian cricket and the steps required to build long-term success.
Having served as vice-captain for nearly a decade, Mandhana believes the leadership role is a natural progression rather than an entirely unfamiliar responsibility.
Leading India across all three formats marks a defining moment in her career. The Zimbabwe series will provide the first opportunity to see how she balances tactical leadership with her role as one of the team’s most influential batters. The larger test will be sustaining that balance as India pursue major international titles over the next two years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
