As the debate over the future leadership of the Indian women’s cricket team gathers pace, former India cricketers Gargi Banerjee and Nilima Jogalekar have expressed contrasting views on whether Harmanpreet Kaur should continue as captain or if the time has come to hand the reins to Smriti Mandhana.
With Indian women’s cricket entering another crucial international cycle, the captaincy has once again become a talking point among former players and cricket experts. While Harmanpreet has led India through one of the most successful phases in the team’s history, a section of the cricket fraternity believes the transition to a new leader should begin before the next ICC Women’s World Cup.
Former India cricketer Gargi Banerjee has firmly backed Harmanpreet to continue in the role, saying experience should take precedence over change at this stage.
“In my view, Harman should continue as captain till the next upcoming World Cup,” Banerjee told The Meghalayan Express.
Banerjee believes Harmanpreet’s experience of leading the side in pressure situations and her understanding of the demands of global tournaments make her the right person to guide the team through another World Cup campaign.
On the other hand, former India cricketer Nilima Jogalekar feels Indian women’s cricket is ready for a fresh leadership approach, with Smriti Mandhana emerging as the ideal candidate to take the team forward.
“India is ready for a new face in Smriti Mandhana and it would be good to lessen the burden on Harmanpreet. She has done wonders for the Indian team. Split captaincy is good for the game. Smriti is ready to lead the white-ball team and the other format as well. Even in the Women’s Premier League, Smriti has shown her class as a captain,” Jogalekar said.
Jogalekar’s remarks reflect the growing confidence in Mandhana’s leadership credentials. The left-handed opener has captained India on several occasions in Harmanpreet’s absence and has earned praise for her composed decision-making. Her leadership in the Women’s Premier League has further strengthened her credentials as a future national captain.
The contrasting opinions underscore the challenge facing the selectors. Harmanpreet remains one of India’s most accomplished cricketers and has played a defining role in raising the profile of women’s cricket. Under her leadership, India has produced memorable performances on the international stage and inspired a new generation of young players.
At the same time, the transition to a younger captain is a discussion that cannot be ignored. With Mandhana in her prime and already part of the leadership group, many believe the timing could be right to prepare her for the next World Cup cycle without waiting for a forced transition.
Whether the selectors choose continuity or succession, the decision will be one of the most significant for Indian women’s cricket in recent years. While opinions remain divided, there is unanimous agreement on one point—India possesses the talent to challenge for major honours. The task now is to ensure the leadership structure is aligned with that ambition.
For now, the captaincy debate remains open. Whether Harmanpreet continues to lead or Mandhana is entrusted with the responsibility, the decision will shape the next chapter of Indian women’s cricket.
