3 candidates who could replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain

Harmanpreet Kaur (Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Harmanpreet Kaur announced her resignation as India women’s captain across all three formats on October 6, 2026, with immediate effect via an Instagram post. She had captained India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is, becoming the only cricketer, male or female, to lead their side in more than 150 T20I matches.

Harmanpreet’s final assignment as skipper came two weeks before her announcement, when she led India to a second consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games, having also won gold in 2023 in Hangzhou. She will continue as a specialist batter after stepping down. The BCCI is now expected to name a new captain, and several names have emerged as credible options.

3 candidates who could replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain

3. Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Rodrigues is 26 years old and represents the next generation of Indian women’s cricket. She has been a consistent performer in white-ball cricket and brings energy and composure to the middle order. While she has not held a formal leadership role at the international level, her performances across formats have kept her in contention for senior responsibilities. Her age and experience make her a longer-term option for the captaincy, and the BCCI may consider her as part of a broader succession plan for the Indian women’s team.

2. Deepti Sharma

Deepti Sharma is 29 years old and has grown into one of India’s most important all-rounders over the past few years. Her bowling was central to India’s success in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, where she was named Player of the Tournament as India lifted the title on home soil. Deepti was also India’s leading wicket-taker in the T20I series during the tour of South Africa in April, claiming seven wickets across the series. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a strong candidate for the captaincy, and her experience in high-pressure situations adds to her case.

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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