Harmanpreet Kaur quits as India's women's captain in all formats. Smriti Mandhana takes over
Harmanpreet Kaur resigned as captain of the Indian women's team in all formats on Tuesday after a BCCI meeting. In a statement she said she had done her duty. The BCCI then named Smriti Mandhana captain. NDTV Sports reports Harmanpreet was offered the chance to keep the job in one format and refused, and that there is friction between the two players; neither claim has a second outlet. Her coach said she can now bat with freedom; Mithali Raj called for a fresh mindset.
The women's game is at a peak of attention after the World Cup win, and leadership change at this moment is a test of the board's planning rather than of either player.
If you follow the team, expect Mandhana to lead in the next series; no tournament fixtures were affected today.
Handovers work when the old captain stays and the new one is not asked to prove anything on day one. We will know in a season.
DailyDrop India edition No. 2 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 6, 2026