Smriti Mandhana named captain as India announce T20I and ODI squad vs Zimbabwe

Smriti Mandhana, the veteran of the Indian women’s side, has been appointed as the new captain of the team as the BCCI announced the development besides revealing the squads for the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe at home, which begins on October 16 in Raipur before the 50-over games being played in Vadodara

Mandhana replaces Harmanpreet Kaur, who penned down an emotional post on Instagram to step down as the captain of the Indian side. This came after they won their Gold Medal in the Asian Games, after beating Sri Lanka in the final. 

India’s ODI squad vs Zimbabwe: Deepti Sharma vice-captain, Harmanpreet & Richa Ghosh included

Mandhana, having played for the national side for 13 years, previously led them in 22 white-ball games, besides leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the two titles of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2024 and 2026. 

“I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet and the contribution she has made as captain over the years. She has led the team with great commitment and has been an important part of our journey.” Mandhana expressed.

See Also: "Not an easy decision": Harmanpreet Kaur pens down emotional post after stepping down as India captain

“To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply. I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team.” She addressed.

Mandhana had led them in 18 T20Is, winning 11 and losing six, besides having a perfect record of four wins in as many games. They have picked a strong squad for the historic series.

India’s ODI squad-

Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (VC), Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Renuka Thakur.

India's T20I squad vs Zimbabwe: Shafali Verma vice-captain, Niki Prasad & G Kamalini picked

While Deepti Sharma has been given the vice-captaincy in the ODIs, the role goes to Shafali Verma in the shortest format. They have picked G Kamalini and Niki Prasad in the squad as the three games will be played on October 16, 18, and 20 in Raipur.

See Also: WPL 2027 retentions: Full list of players retained and released by RCB Women

Harmanpreet has been part of both Indian squads, even though the eyes will be on his strike rate in the T20Is, which has been a part of the controversy in the recent times, especially during the T20 World Cup. 

India’s T20I squad-

Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma (VC), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, Minnu Mani

Fans react to Smriti Mandhana’s appointment as India’s new captain

The fans, on the social media platforms, have showed their emotions on Mandhana being given the responsibility of being the new captain of the blue brigade-