Anew chapter will begin in Indian women’s cricket on Friday, October 16, as Smriti Mandhana leads the team for the first time as full-time captain.
She takes over from Harmanpreet Kaur after India won the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
Mandhana has led India on several occasions as a stand-in captain. The team have won all four matches under her captaincy. Overall, India have won 11 of their 18 matches when Mandhana has been in charge.
Harmanpreet remains part of the squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe but will now play as a specialist batter. Shafali Verma has been named vice-captain in both the ODI and T20I formats. The series will also give her a chance to work closely with Mandhana as she takes on a bigger role in the team.
Why Did Smriti Mandhana Replace Harmanpreet Kaur As Captain?
Harmanpreet stepped down as India’s captain after leading the team to gold at the 2026 Asian Games. She leaves the role after leading India through several major tournaments, including the 2025 ODI World Cup triumph.
Under Harmanpreet, India ended their long wait for an ICC title by winning the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. She recorded 30 wins in 51 ODIs as captain.
India also won 92 of the 155 T20Is played under her leadership. The team reached the final of the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup but lost to Australia. In Test cricket, India won four of the five matches played under Harmanpreet’s captaincy.
She will now continue to contribute to the team as a batter while Mandhana takes charge of the side.
What Is Smriti Mandhana’s Record As India’s Captain?
Mandhana has already led India in 18 matches, winning 11 of them. The team have won all four matches in which she has served as captain in T20Is, according to the figures provided.
The Zimbabwe series will be an important test as she begins her full-time captaincy. She will look to build on her previous results and help India start the series with a win.
Why Has Shafali Verma Been Named Vice-Captain?
Shafali Verma has been appointed India’s vice-captain in both the ODI and T20I formats. She returned to the national team during the 2025 ODI World Cup and has now been given greater responsibility.
Working alongside Mandhana could help Shafali develop her leadership skills. She also plays under Jemimah Rodrigues at Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League.
When Will India Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I Start?
The first T20I between India Women and Zimbabwe Women will be played on Friday, October 16, in Raipur.
- Match: India Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 1st T20I
- Date: October 16, 2026
- Start time: 7:00 PM IST
- Toss: 6:30 PM IST
- Venue: Raipur
Where To Watch India Women vs Zimbabwe Women Live On TV?
The first T20I will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India.
Where To Watch India Women vs Zimbabwe Women Live Streaming?
Fans can watch the live streaming of the match on the JioHotstar app in India.
What Are The Squads For India Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I?
India Women: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, Gunalan Kamalini, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Anushka Sharma, Jintimani Kalita, Niki Prasad and Prema Rawat.
Zimbabwe Women: Josephine Nkomo (captain), Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Modester Mupachikwa, Sharne Mayers, Loryn Phiri, Francisca Chipare, Kudzai Chigora, Nomvelo Sibanda, Olinder Chare, Michelle Mavunga and Tendai Makusha.