Following the successful transition of captaincy in the Indian men’s team from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) aims to replicate a similar supportive dynamic in the women’s squad. As Harmanpreet Kaur steps down to hand over the captaincy to Smriti Mandhana, the board intends to leverage Harmanpreet’s extensive experience to guide the new skipper.
Mandhana, who recently took charge of the team, is set to lead India in the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe. Despite stepping down, Harmanpreet remains an integral part of the squad. BCCI President Mithun Manhas emphasized that having a seasoned leader nearby is crucial for a new captain’s development, drawing parallels with the men’s team’s historical transitions.
Speaking to Sportstar, Manhas highlighted the importance of a supportive framework during leadership changes.
“I have always believed that the baton should be passed on when you have somebody senior around to guide them,” he said. “Because captaincy is not easy, no matter how experienced you are.”
Manhas pointed to the legacy of support in Indian cricket, recalling how Sourav Ganguly guided a young MS Dhoni, who in turn later mentored Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Currently, senior players like Kohli and Rohit are assisting Shubman Gill in his early days as captain. Manhas noted that such mentorship programs allow incoming leaders to transition smoothly into their new roles.
‘Harmanpreet will be an asset for Smriti’
The BCCI president believes that Harmanpreet’s presence in the squad will be invaluable for Mandhana, especially during high-pressure moments on the field. Access to a senior player’s insight can significantly boost a captain’s decision-making confidence.
“There will be situations when you have to make decisions and you are confused. So, I think Harmanpreet will be an asset for Smriti,” Manhas said.
While Manhas did not explicitly detail the reasoning behind Mandhana’s appointment, he underscored the significance of a strong support system. Harmanpreet’s proven track record in managing high-stakes tournaments is expected to provide Mandhana with the necessary guidance as she embarks on her captaincy journey. This strategy highlights the BCCI’s commitment to leadership continuity, fostering growth while preserving institutional knowledge.