Surrey handed the 50-over captaincy reins to Kira Chathli for the 2026 One Day Cup season. It’s a fresh start for the team as they gear up under her leadership, with Bryony Smith sticking around to captain the T20 side and chase another Blast crown.
Kira Chathli, the 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Southwark, has been with Surrey since her county debut back in 2013. She’s grown into a key player over the years, shining in big moments like her unbeaten 28 that clinched the London Cup against Middlesex in 2020 with some cheeky scoop shots. Her List A experience and consistent glovework make her a natural pick for this role.
Chathli has been on the rise in recent years, amassing 251 runs from four six games for South East Stars in 2024. Though she had a lean run last summer, managing only 230 runs from 14 innings, she has been trusted with leadership, and it’ll be hoped it benefits her game, brings the best out of her.
Speaking on her appointment, Chathli said, “Having started my journey with the Club as a nine-year-old, it’s a huge honour to be named as a Surrey captain and I can’t wait to lead the team… We have a lot of talent in our squad, and I can’t wait for the team to show what they can do. It’s going to be an exciting season.”
Bryony Smith, stepping back from the 50-over gig will continue to lead in T20s, where Surrey are the defending champs. Smith’s been the club’s go-to player, captain, guiding them through tough campaigns, and this split lets her focus on what she does best in the shorter format. It’s smart team management, keeping stability while injecting new energy.
Bryony Smith said, “Leading the team in the first year as a fully pro side has been a real honour and I’m so proud of everything that we achieved. It was a difficult decision to step back from leading the team in all competitions, but I think it is the right call to allow me to focus on my captaincy in the T20 competition and my own game across all formats.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Kira in this new role. Her passion for the team and her dedication to the game is second to none. She will serve the girls well. Kira and I have worked closely for the past few years, and I feel as though now is the right time to pass on the baton, I will continue to be a sounding board for Kira and offer support and advice whenever it’s needed.”
The One Day Cup 2026 kicks off for Surrey away at Edgbaston on April 11, then home to Yorkshire at the Kia Oval on April 15. With five more Oval games against sides like Durham, Essex, and Lancashire, Chathli’s got a packed schedule to build momentum. Fans can expect gritty 50-over cricket right in south London.
Handing captaincy to Chathli signals Surrey’s trust in youth and homegrown talent at a time when women’s domestic cricket is heating up. It’ll be interesting to see how her calm keeping translates to leading the side through the grind of one-dayers. If she channels that 2020 match-winner vibe, Surrey could be right in the mix come finals.
