India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana says that she is ready to take over the national team’s captaincy whenever the opportunity comes, adding fresh fuel to the ongoing discussions about the team’s future leadership.
Smriti Mandhana has served as Harmanpreet Kaur’s deputy for several years and, in an interview with a leading publication, was asked if she was prepared to lead India.
“Yes, of course, I am ready,” Smriti Mandhana said, confirming that she is ready to take on the role.
The captaincy debate has gained attention despite Harmanpreet Kaur leading India to the 2025 ODI World Cup title. However, the 37-year-old has faced pressure in other formats, particularly T20Is, where her form has dipped apart from a few match-winning performances in high-pressure situations. Her place in the playing XI has also come under scrutiny.
While Harmanpreet Kaur has repeatedly dismissed questions about her future, speculation over a leadership transition has continued. Some former India cricketers have even suggested that she should retire on a high after the World Cup triumph and hand over the captaincy to Smriti Mandhana.
At 30, Smriti Mandhana is in the prime of her career and could potentially lead India for the next four to five years. This is also the first time she has publicly expressed her willingness to take over as captain. Having already won the Women’s Premier League twice, she is expected to receive strong backing whenever Harmanpreet Kaur steps down.
Speaking about her leadership approach, Smriti Mandhana says her priority is to build a positive team environment where every player feels comfortable expressing themselves. She believes players perform at their best when they feel valued, trusted and supported.
Smriti Mandhana also spoke about her bond with teammates and revealed how she supported Yastika Bhatia during her recovery from an ACL injury. Yastika Bhatia recently scored a century in the Lord’s Test against England.
Smriti Mandhana said knee injuries can be mentally and physically challenging, especially when they happen before a major tournament like a home World Cup. She shared her own experience of suffering an ACL injury in 2017, explaining that the setback helped her grow as both a cricketer and a person. She hoped sharing that journey would motivate Yastika Bhatia and help her stay positive throughout her rehabilitation.
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