3 candidates who could replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain
Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the captaincy across all three formats on October 6, 2026.
1. Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana has served as vice-captain of the Indian women's team since 2022 and is widely regarded as the frontrunner to take over the captaincy. She has demonstrated consistent leadership credentials both on and off the field in recent years. As an opening batter, Mandhana was the top run-scorer in the Test match during India's tour of England between May 28 and July 13, 2026, accumulating 153 runs. She was also the leading run-scorer in the T20I series during India's tour of Australia between February 15 and March 9, 2026, scoring 129 runs as India won that series 2-1. Away from international duty, Mandhana has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League, guiding the side to two WPL titles in four seasons.
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