india women captain Harmanpreet Kaur The team has once again found itself in the headlines after a disappointing campaign in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026Where they failed to progress beyond the group stage. The early exit reignited discussion over the team’s leadership, with many questioning whether a change was needed at the top ahead of future ICC events. Although India has recently made a great comeback by defeating England In the one-off Test at Lord’s, the debate over Harmanpreet’s long-term future as captain has been ongoing for quite some time.
BCCI has not made any official announcement regarding the captaincy of former India captain Harmanpreet. Mithali Raj He has already identified three players he believes are capable of leading the national team in the future. Speaking about India’s leadership options, Mithali favored the experienced opener for the longer formats, while suggesting two young names for the T20I captaincy.
Mithali Raj backs experienced opener to lead India in ODIs and Tests
Mithali admits that she is India’s star opening batsman Smriti Mandhana He should have already been handed leadership responsibilities in the ODI format and believes that the experienced opening batsman is the ideal candidate to captain India in both ODI and Test cricket.
Mandhana, who currently serves as India’s vice-captain, has been one of the team’s most consistent performers across all formats and has also gained valuable leadership experience in domestic franchise cricket. According to Mithali, her experience and maturity make her the right choice to guide India in the longer formats.
“I thought at least two-three years ago that Smriti would lead the ODI format. But even now, she has extensive experience that at least the ODI and Test formats should be given to her and maybe T20 should be given to someone younger.” Mithali said as quoted by Cricinfo.
Mandhana, in particular, has established herself as one of India’s premier batsmen over the past decade and is often seen as a natural successor to the leadership group. His calm approach, tactical awareness and vast international experience have made him one of the strongest candidates whenever there is discussion about the future captain of India.
See also: India bid emotional farewell to Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont after historic Lord’s Test
Mithali names 2 candidates for T20I captaincy
While recommending Mandhana for the longer formats, Mithali proposed a different direction for T20Is by encouraging India to invest in young leaders. He named the explosive opener Shafali Verma and stylish batter jemima rodrigues As his preferred candidate to take charge of the shortest format.
Mithali highlighted Shafali’s past leadership success, pointing to her captaincy during India’s victorious Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in 2023. She also acknowledged Jemimah’s leadership stint with Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League, and suggested that both have the qualities required to build the next generation of Indian leadership.
“I think Shafali [Verma]. His format is T20I. And she has led the Under-19 World Cup team [to a title win in 2023]. Why not Shafali? jamie [Rodrigues] Of course, yes. he has led [Delhi Capitals] In WPL. But I believe whoever they choose will have to take some time to compromise. Because we all got time to settle into our roles as leaders,” He added.
Also read: India created history with a stunning 270-run win over England in the one-off Test at Lord’s.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
