New Delhi: Former Indian women’s team captain Diana Edulji has said that Smriti Mandhana should be made the captain of the Indian team, keeping the next World Cup in mind. Edulji believes the time is right for Harmanpreet Kaur to step down from captaincy and make way for Mandhana, who has been held back for a long time.
Mandhana, who leads Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), has led India in absence of Harmanpreet on a few occasions. She is viewed by many as the strongest contender to take over the baton from Harmanpreet, considering her stature and performances.
However, the Indian women’s team selectors continue to back Harmanpreet. Edulji pointed out that Harmanpreet will be approaching 40 by the time the next ODI World Cup arrives in 2029 and that the time is right for Mandhana to take over to ensure the transition is a smooth one.
“We are holding back Smriti Mandhana for a long time. By the time the next World Cup comes along, Harman will be nearing 40, so let’s give a good run to Smriti and look at two youngsters as vice-captains. My humble request to Harman would be to let people ask why and not why not,” Edulji told Mid-Day.
Harmanpreet led India to their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025. However, India failed to make it to the knockout stage of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 under her captaincy. In the recently concluded Women’s Asia Cup 2026, Harmanpreet-led India defeated Sri Lanka in the final to win a record-extending 8th title.
How did Mandhana and Harmanpreet perform in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
Harmanpreet and Mandhana had contrasting campaigns with the bat in the recently concluded Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Mandhana slammed 213 runs in five matches, including a record-breaking 124 to play an instrumental role in India’s triumph. Harmanpreet, on the other hand, managed only 71 runs in as many matches.
Harmanpreet has been named captain and is set to lead India in the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. India will enter the tournament as the defending champions, having won the gold medal in the last edition of the competition. The women’s cricket event at the Asian Games 2026 is set to be played from September 17 to 22.
