Former India captain Mithali Raj has backed the leadership transition following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down as India’s all-format captain on Tuesday morning. Mithali said the change was necessary to bring fresh ideas into the team, while endorsing long-term deputy Smriti Mandhana as the right choice to lead India across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
“Smriti has been the vice-captain for quite some time now, so she understands the team and the environment very well,” Mithali told HT. Mandhana, who has already led India in 18 T20Is, winning 11, and four ODIs, winning all four, will begin her tenure with India’s historic first white-ball bilateral series against Zimbabwe. The series will feature three T20Is and three ODIs from October 16 to 28, 2026. Shafali Verma has been appointed T20I vice-captain, while Deepti Sharma will serve as vice-captain in ODIs.
Mithali Raj, India’s longest-serving captain, also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s immense contribution to the growth of women’s cricket. Harmanpreet led India for nearly a decade and helped the side win the 2025 ODI World Cup on home soil, India’s maiden senior-level ICC title in the format. India defeated Australia by five wickets in the semi-final at Navi Mumbai, with Harmanpreet scoring a crucial 89, before overcoming South Africa by 52 runs in the final on November 2.
“Harmanpreet has had a remarkable run as captain and has contributed immensely to Indian women’s cricket,” Mithali said. “It is important to acknowledge that when you talk about a change in leadership. But every team goes through a transition at some point, and I feel this is the right time for India to look ahead.”
Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy also produced major success in the shortest format. She led India to their fourth ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup title in 2026, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai. During the tournament, she became the first player, male or female, to captain 150 T20Is. In September, she guided India to a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal after a 147-run victory over Sri Lanka at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin.
Her Test leadership was equally significant. India defeated Australia by eight wickets at Wankhede in December 2023, their first-ever Test victory over Australia, while Harmanpreet also led them to victory in the first women’s Test at Lord’s against England in July 2026. She made her ODI captaincy debut against Bangladesh on April 8, 2013, and led India in 51 matches.
Mithali believes Harmanpreet’s greatest influence came through her fearless batting. “When Harmanpreet made her debut, the power she brought to her batting really stood out,” she said. “The innings she played at the 2017 World Cup is one that will always be remembered.” Her unbeaten 171 against Australia in the semi-final remains one of the defining performances in women’s cricket.
Mandhana now inherits a team that has tasted World Cup glory and carries greater expectations. Mithali believes her success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League has strengthened her leadership credentials. “She is calm and composed, reads the game well and has been a good support to the younger players,” Mithali said. “With the Champions Trophy coming up, Smriti has her work cut out.”
India will host the inaugural Women’s T20 Champions Trophy from February 14 to 28, 2027, before the 2028 T20 World Cup, the Los Angeles Olympics and the 2029 ODI World Cup. For Mithali, the transition must be carefully planned. “The focus should be on building the right combination, giving players clarity about their roles and gradually preparing the next generation of players,” she said. “I think Smriti is well suited to the role of all-format captain.”
(Quotes sourced from Hindustan Times)
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