New Delhi, October 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Newly appointed India women’s cricket team captain Smriti Mandhana and middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues on Wednesday paid tribute to outgoing skipper Harmanpreet Kaur following her decision to step down from captaincy across all formats.
The BCCI on Tuesday appointed Smriti as the new captain of the women’s national team after Harmanpreet resigned from the leadership role.
Harmanpreet’s future as captain had come under scrutiny during a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati on Monday following India’s second successive group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup in England in June.
“It has been a pleasure playing with you for so many years. Ten years of your leadership have been fantastic, and together, we will strive to bring many more laurels for our nation,” Smriti wrote on her Instagram Stories. She will take charge from India’s white-ball series against Zimbabwe, beginning October 16.
Harmanpreet’s tenure ends on a high after she helped India win a gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan. She will also be remembered for leading India to its maiden women’s global championship title at last year’s ODI World Cup.
During her captaincy, Harmanpreet led India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is.
Jemimah, who is recovering from a high-grade hamstring tear sustained while playing The Hundred in England, also took to Instagram to acknowledge Harmanpreet’s contribution.
“Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved. Thanks for the years of leadership and for everything you did for the team!” Jemimah posted.
Smriti’s appointment as full-time national captain marks a new chapter in her international career. She made her India debut in 2013 and has since represented the country in nine Tests, 120 ODIs and 179 T20Is.
A key figure in India’s batting line-up alongside Harmanpreet, Smriti played a crucial role in the recent Asian Games gold-medal triumph, scoring a 45-ball 79 in the final against Sri Lanka in Nisshin, Japan.
She also enters the captaincy role after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
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