Former India captain Mithali Raj has reignited the discussion around the future leadership of the Indian women’s cricket team by stating that Smriti Mandhana should have become captain much earlier. Following India’s disappointing group stage exit from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Mithali called for a clear long-term leadership plan and backed Mandhana to take charge of the ODI and Test teams.
The Mithali Raj on Smriti Mandhana comments have added fresh momentum to the ongoing Smriti Mandhana captaincy debate, with the former captain stressing the need to prepare the team for the next World Cup cycle.
Mithali Raj Backs Smriti Mandhana
Speaking to PTI, Mithali said she had expected Mandhana to become India’s ODI captain two or three years ago.
“I at least thought Smriti would lead the ODI format two or three years back. But now also, with the vast experience that she has, at least the one day and Test format should be given to her, and perhaps T20 to someone younger,” Mithali said.
The former India skipper believes Mandhana has spent enough years as vice captain and has gained the experience needed to lead the national team in the longer formats.
The Mithali Raj on Smriti Mandhana remarks reflect her confidence that the star opener is ready to guide India through the next phase of women’s cricket.
Need for a Long Term Leadership Plan
Mithali also highlighted the importance of planning for the future instead of making short-term decisions.
She pointed to the recurring fitness concerns surrounding current captain Harmanpreet Kaur. According to Mithali, frequent injuries and on field treatment sessions make it necessary for the team management to prepare the next generation of leaders.
She also questioned why India has not developed a strong third leadership option alongside Harmanpreet and Mandhana despite having several experienced players in the squad.
The former captain believes a clear succession plan will help India remain competitive across all formats over the coming years.
Split Captaincy Could Be the Way Forward
As part of her recommendations, Mithali suggested introducing a split-captaincy system.
She believes Smriti Mandhana should lead the ODI and Test teams because of her experience, tactical understanding, and consistency with the bat.
For T20 Internationals, Mithali proposed giving the responsibility to a younger player who can grow into the role over time.
She named Shafali Verma as a strong candidate, highlighting her success in leading India to the 2023 Under 19 Women’s World Cup title.
Mithali also mentioned Jemimah Rodrigues as another suitable option, pointing to the leadership experience she has gained while captaining in the Women’s Premier League.
A Crucial Decision for India’s Future
The Smriti Mandhana captaincy debate has become more important following India’s recent struggles in major ICC tournaments. Many believe the team now needs a fresh direction ahead of the next ODI World Cup.
Mandhana has established herself as one of the world’s leading batters and has served as India’s vice captain for several years. Her calm approach, experience, and understanding of the game make her a natural candidate for a bigger leadership role.
While the final decision rests with the selectors and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Mithali Raj’s comments have once again highlighted the need for a well-defined roadmap. Whether India adopts split captaincy or continues with its current setup, the discussion around Smriti Mandhana’s future as captain is likely to remain a major talking point in Indian women’s cricket.
