I am ready: Smriti Mandhana prepared to replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain
Smriti Mandhana says she is ready to captain India in Harmanpreet Kaur's absence, with the vice-captain boasting an impressive record of 15 wins in 22 matches across T20Is and ODIs.
Smriti Mandhana has made it clear that she is ready to step into Harmanpreet Kaur’s shoes whenever the opportunity arises, with the India vice-captain expressing confidence in her ability to lead the side.
The left-handed opener, who has emerged as one of the pillars of Indian women’s cricket over the last decade, believes her years as Harmanpreet’s deputy have prepared her for the added responsibility of captaincy.
“Yes, of course. I am ready,” Mandhana said in an interview with The Times of India when asked about the prospect of captaining India in Harmanpreet’s absence.
Mandhana’s confidence is backed by an impressive record at the helm. The 29-year-old has captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, winning 15 matches across the two formats. India are also unbeaten in the four ODIs she has led, underlining her credentials as Harmanpreet’s natural successor.
Over the years, Mandhana has evolved from being one of India’s most dependable batters into a leader capable of guiding the side through high-pressure situations. Having served as vice-captain for several years, she has gained valuable experience in decision-making and man-management, often stepping in whenever Harmanpreet has been unavailable.
Her comments came on the heels of India’s memorable tour of England, which culminated in a historic victory in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s.
HISTORIC TRIUMPH AT LORD’S
Mandhana looked back fondly on India’s famous victory at the Home of Cricket, where the visitors secured a commanding 270-run win over England. After posting 285 in their first innings, India declared at 341 for seven in the second innings before bowling England out for 170 and 186 to script history.
“It was amazing to be part of the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s and, more importantly, to win it. Contributing to a historic victory for India was special. As kids, we all dreamt of playing Test cricket, so to do it at Lord’s made it even more memorable,” Mandhana said.
The opener played a crucial role in India’s triumph, scoring 83 in the first innings and following it up with another fluent half-century in the second. Her contributions at the top laid the platform for one of the most significant victories in Indian women’s cricket.
The triumph at Lord’s offered India some respite after the disappointment of losing the T20I series to England and crashing out of the Women’s T20 World Cup before the semi-finals following a defeat to Australia.
For Mandhana, the historic win was another reminder of how far Indian women’s cricket has come. And with Harmanpreet continuing to lead the side, India can take comfort in the fact that an experienced deputy stands ready to answer the call whenever needed.
Smriti Mandhana has made it clear that she is ready to step into Harmanpreet Kaur’s shoes whenever the opportunity arises, with the India vice-captain expressing confidence in her ability to lead the side.
The left-handed opener, who has emerged as one of the pillars of Indian women’s cricket over the last decade, believes her years as Harmanpreet’s deputy have prepared her for the added responsibility of captaincy.
“Yes, of course. I am ready,” Mandhana said in an interview with The Times of India when asked about the prospect of captaining India in Harmanpreet’s absence.
Mandhana’s confidence is backed by an impressive record at the helm. The 29-year-old has captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs, winning 15 matches across the two formats. India are also unbeaten in the four ODIs she has led, underlining her credentials as Harmanpreet’s natural successor.
Over the years, Mandhana has evolved from being one of India’s most dependable batters into a leader capable of guiding the side through high-pressure situations. Having served as vice-captain for several years, she has gained valuable experience in decision-making and man-management, often stepping in whenever Harmanpreet has been unavailable.
Her comments came on the heels of India’s memorable tour of England, which culminated in a historic victory in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s.
HISTORIC TRIUMPH AT LORD’S
Mandhana looked back fondly on India’s famous victory at the Home of Cricket, where the visitors secured a commanding 270-run win over England. After posting 285 in their first innings, India declared at 341 for seven in the second innings before bowling England out for 170 and 186 to script history.
“It was amazing to be part of the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s and, more importantly, to win it. Contributing to a historic victory for India was special. As kids, we all dreamt of playing Test cricket, so to do it at Lord’s made it even more memorable,” Mandhana said.
The opener played a crucial role in India’s triumph, scoring 83 in the first innings and following it up with another fluent half-century in the second. Her contributions at the top laid the platform for one of the most significant victories in Indian women’s cricket.
The triumph at Lord’s offered India some respite after the disappointment of losing the T20I series to England and crashing out of the Women’s T20 World Cup before the semi-finals following a defeat to Australia.
For Mandhana, the historic win was another reminder of how far Indian women’s cricket has come. And with Harmanpreet continuing to lead the side, India can take comfort in the fact that an experienced deputy stands ready to answer the call whenever needed.
