Smriti Mandhana has been handed the responsibility of full‑time captaincy for the Indian women's cricket team, taking over from Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from the role. The move is described as supportive of Mandhana's leadership, while Kaur remains a member of the squad. This transition marks a notable shift in the team's hierarchy, with Mandhana now entrusted to guide the side in both the upcoming T20I series and the subsequent ODI matches.
The first T20 International of the series is scheduled for 2026-10-16 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. The toss is set for 18:30 local time, with the match getting underway at 19:00.
Team India headshot session! - Captain Smriti Mandhana era kicks off. https://t.co/Sz32nNjSqt
India's engagement with Zimbabwe comprises a three‑match T20 International series, after which the teams will contest three ODI matches in Vadodara.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepika Sharma are highlighted as key contributors to these efforts, lending their experience to the team's preparation and on‑field execution.
Fans can follow the contest live on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
STAR SPORTS POSTER FOR CAPTAIN SMRITI MANDHANA. 👑🇮🇳 - Captain Smriti's Era begins from today! https://t.co/jyCVmn6myX
These names are mentioned as part of the squad for the series.
India's women's cricket team is concentrating on enhancing its performance in the T20 format and sharpening its fielding standards. Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepika Sharma are highlighted as key contributors to these efforts, lending their experience to the team's preparation and on‑field execution.
#LiveAt11 | Smriti Mandhana begins a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket as she takes charge as full-time captain for the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur. The three-match series will serve as preparation for the South Africa tour in December, with the team also assessing options to fill the number three spot in Jemimah Rodrigues’ absence due to injury. #SmritiMandhana #TeamIndia #WomensCricket #INDvsZIM #T20Cricket #11बजेLive #11बजेLiveOnDD
The T20 series will be broadcast live on Star Sports and JioHotstar, ensuring fans can watch the action in real time.
As of 2026-10-16, the Indian women's cricket team is prepared for the inaugural T20 International against Zimbabwe under Smriti Mandhana's captaincy. The side is poised to begin the series, with the toss scheduled for 18:30 and the match start at 19:00 at the Raipur venue.