'Harmanpreet Kaur Should Pass On Captaincy To Smriti Mandhana': Former India Captain Drops Bombshell Post WC Triumph

Shanta Rangaswamy, who was the first captain of an Indian women’s cricket team, has stated that current skipper Harmanpreet Kaur can contribute more if she plays purely as a player. Rangaswamy insisted that the BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India) should bestow captaincy on swashbuckling opener Smriti Mandhana.

Rangaswamy also stated that it will make more sense for Mandhana to assume captaincy, keeping the next two ICC tournaments in mind. Notably, the next ODI World Cup will take place in 2029, while the upcoming T20 World Cup is scheduled for 2026 in UK.

Mandhana, who is currently 29, was stated as the obvious choice is the obvious choice for a new skipper, Rangaswamy said.

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“It is overdue. Because Harman, as a batter and a fielder, is brilliant. Yes. But tactically, she can fumble at times. I feel she can contribute more if she is without the burden of captaincy," Rangaswamy said while speaking to PTI.

“See, when it comes after a success like this (World Cup win), it will not be taken well, but in the interest of Indian cricket and in Harman’s own interest, I think she can contribute much more as a batter without the burden of captaincy," Rangaswamy added.

The former Cricketer also quoted the example of former captain of the men's side, Rohit Sharma, to support her argument.

“In our days, batting used to be the weaker link. Now batting has a settled look, but bowling is a concern. Fielding, too, can be a lot better. Australia lost only because they didn’t have a good bowling attack," Rangaswamy said.

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“I would say Pakistan and Bangladesh had better bowling attacks. The batters did the job for us," Rangaswamy added.

India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup 2025.