NEW DELHI: The new leadership era in Indian women’s cricket has taken shape with Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma appointed vice-captains of the T20I and ODI sides respectively, joining newly-appointed captain Smriti Mandhana at the helm.The changes were announced on Tuesday after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as India captain across formats. Harmanpreet, who will continue her international career as a player, has been retained in both squads for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe.Shafali will serve as Mandhana’s deputy in T20Is, while Deepti has been handed the vice-captaincy in ODIs. The move gives two experienced players greater leadership responsibilities as Team India enters a new phase following Harmanpreet’s decision.
Shafali, Deepti take on new roles
Shafali’s elevation comes after she returned to India’s T20I setup, while Deepti remains one of the side’s most experienced all-rounders and will now support Mandhana in the 50-over format.Mandhana was appointed full-time captain earlier on Tuesday after Harmanpreet decided to relinquish the role. The 30-year-old has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs and has also enjoyed success as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, guiding them to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.“Being given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply,” Mandhana said in a BCCI release.She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution as captain.“I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet and the contribution she has made as captain over the years. She has led the team with great commitment and has been an important part of our journey,” she said.
Zimbabwe series marks new chapter
India’s new leadership group will begin its next assignment against Zimbabwe at home. The three-match T20I series will be played in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28.The T20I squad sees Pratika Rawal left out, with Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Anushka Sharma and Jintimani Kalita coming into the side. All four featured in India’s recent assignments against Australia.In the ODI squad, Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol have been included, while Jemimah Rodrigues remains unavailable after a hamstring injury. Vaishnavi Sharma, who recently claimed a six-wicket haul against Australia Women’s A, has also been named.
India Squads for Zimbabwe series
- For T20Is: Smriti Mandhana (c), Shafali Verma (vc), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, Minnu Mani.
- For ODIs: Smriti Mandhana (c), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (vc), Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandani Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Renuka Thakur.