Smriti Mandhana has been named India's all-format women's captain on the same day Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the role nearly a decade after she took over.

Mandhana, vice-captain to Harmanpreet for much of that period, has previously led India in four ODIs and 18 T20Is. She has also captained Maharashtra in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women's Premier League (WPL).

 

Her first assignment is the limited-overs series against Zimbabwe, beginning with three T20Is in Raipur on October 16. Mandhana was part of Tuesday's selection meeting, chaired by Amita Sharma, to pick the squad for the tour.

 

Describing the appointment as a "special honour", Mandhana also acknowledged her predecessor's contribution in a welcome note released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

 

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

 

"I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian cricket forward."

 

The appointment follows a review meeting on Monday in Guwahati, chaired by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and attended by Mandhana, Harmanpreet and head coach Amol Muzumdar. The meeting aimed to chart a roadmap, with an eye on next year's inaugural Women's Champions Trophy in February, as well as the T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

 

Mandhana, India's best all-format batter, has been in the frame for the captaincy for some time. Earlier this year, she led RCB to their second WPL title and top-scored in the final.

 

In September, she overtook Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket across formats. Her 18 international hundreds are the most in women's cricket, and she is the first Indian woman to score centuries in all formats. (Cricinfo)