Smriti Mandhana is the overwhelming favourite to become the next captain of the India women’s cricket team following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down across all formats. Having served as Harmanpreet’s deputy for several years and already led India successfully on multiple occasions, Mandhana has built a strong leadership résumé at both international and franchise level.
However, while the captaincy debate is close to being settled, the vice-captaincy presents a more intriguing long-term question. India must now identify the player who can eventually lead the side beyond the Mandhana era.
Mandhana Has Already Built a Strong Leadership Record
Mandhana has served as India’s vice-captain across formats for several years and and has regularly stepped in whenever Harmanpreet was unavailable.
Between 2019 and 2025, she captained India in 18 T20Is, winning 11, losing six and seeing one match end without a result. She has also led India in four ODIs, winning all four to maintain a perfect record in the format.
Overall, Mandhana has guided India to 15 victories in 22 white-ball internationals as captain, gaining valuable experience in pressure situations.
Her leadership credentials have also been strengthened through the Women’s Premier League. As captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she led the franchise to WPL titles in 2024 and 2026, proving her ability to manage a squad over the course of a major tournament.
Record-Breaking Batter and Senior Figure
Mandhana’s recent achievements with the bat further reinforce her standing within Indian cricket. During the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup, she surpassed Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket before moving ahead of Meg Lanning to become the leading century-maker in the women’s international game with 18 hundreds.
Having represented India since her debut in 2013, Mandhana has become one of the most experienced members of the squad and has naturally developed into one of its senior leaders.
Her appointment has also received public backing from former India captain Mithali Raj and former selector Diana Edulji, while Mandhana herself confirmed earlier this year that she is ready for the responsibility.
The Bigger Question: Who Becomes Vice-Captain?
While Mandhana appears the obvious captaincy choice, selecting her deputy requires a longer-term vision.
A vice-captain is often viewed as the next captain in waiting, making age profile, consistency and leadership potential important considerations.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues has emerged as one of the strongest candidates. The 26-year-old has established herself across all three formats and continues to be one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters.
She also gained valuable captaincy experience with Delhi Capitals during the Women’s Premier League. Although her side made a slow start, Rodrigues adapted well as the tournament progressed and eventually guided the team into the final.
Her tactical growth and calm temperament make her a strong long-term leadership option.
Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma offers another compelling case, particularly in the T20 format. Since the beginning of 2025, the explosive opener has averaged 42.66 while scoring at a strike rate of 165.37, registering 11 half-centuries and one century.
Her aggressive style has transformed India’s approach at the top of the order, and at just 22 years of age she represents the future of Indian cricket.
One possible solution could see Shafali appointed vice-captain in T20Is while another player assumes the role in the longer formats.
Deepti Sharma
Experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma remains one of the senior figures within India’s dressing room.
Her credentials as a player are unquestionable. She was Player of the Tournament during India’s victorious 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup campaign and continues to rank among the world’s leading all-rounders.
However, there are factors that may work against her candidacy.
Like Mandhana, Deepti belongs to the same generation of players. With only a small age difference between them, appointing Deepti as vice-captain would do little to prepare India’s next long-term captain.
Her stint as captain of UP Warriorz during the 2025 WPL also produced mixed results, with the franchise winning only three of eight matches.
While Deepti is almost certain to remain part of India’s leadership group, the vice-captaincy may be better suited to a younger player.
Richa Ghosh
Another name that could enter the discussion is wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh.
At 23, she has already become an established member of India’s first-choice XI across formats and possesses the maturity to grow into a future leadership role.
Her wicketkeeping responsibilities also allow her to observe the game from a central position, something that has benefited many successful captains.
The only question surrounding Richa is consistency. Although capable of match-winning innings, she has yet to produce the sustained performances that Mandhana, Jemimah and Shafali have delivered.
Building India’s Next Leadership Group
Rather than focusing only on replacing Harmanpreet, India now has an opportunity to establish a leadership structure that can serve the team for many years.
Mandhana appears ready to lead immediately.
Behind her, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh represent the next generation capable of taking over in the future, while Deepti Sharma’s experience ensures she will continue to play a vital mentoring role within the squad.
With the Zimbabwe series beginning later this month, the BCCI’s announcement on the new leadership group will offer an indication of how it plans to manage India’s transition into its next era.
