Diana Edulji Backs Smriti Mandhana as India’s Next Captain

India’s women’s cricket leadership may be on the verge of a major rethink. Diana Edulji has publicly made the case for Smriti Mandhana to be groomed as the next all-format captain, arguing that the team should plan ahead rather than wait for a forced transition.

The former BCCI official’s comments arrive as India prepares for the Asian Games 2026, where the women’s cricket competition is scheduled from September 17 to 22. Harmanpreet Kaur remains the current captain and will lead the side in the tournament, but the conversation around succession has now been pushed firmly into the spotlight.

Edulji calls for a planned handover

Edulji’s central argument is simple: India should not delay leadership planning when a proven world-class batter is already in the squad. She believes Mandhana has earned the right to be developed into the captaincy role across formats, especially with the next ODI World Cup cycle approaching.

“We are holding back Smriti Mandhana for a long time. By the time the next World Cup comes along, Harman will be nearing 40, so let’s give a good run to Smriti and look at two youngsters as vice-captains,” Edulji said.

Her remark reflects a wider discussion in Indian women’s cricket about continuity, succession, and the need to give younger leaders time to settle before the next major ICC event.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma in the frame

Edulji did not stop with Mandhana. She also suggested that India begin grooming vice-captains from the next generation, naming Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma as possible options.

“Right now, we can have Jemimah (Rodrigues) or Shafali (Varma) as the vice-captain, and train them (for the bigger responsibility),” she added.

That idea adds an important layer to the debate. It is not only about replacing one captain, but about building a broader leadership pipeline that can carry India through the next phase of women’s cricket.

Mandhana’s form strengthens the argument

If Edulji’s comments sparked the debate, Mandhana’s recent numbers have made it harder to ignore. The left-handed opener has been in outstanding touch, delivering one milestone after another and reinforcing her status as one of the modern greats of women’s cricket.

During the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai, Mandhana smashed 124 runs against Hong Kong, underlining her ability to dominate in T20 cricket. That innings marked her second T20I century and made her the first Indian woman to score multiple hundreds in the shortest format.

Her international record has grown even more remarkable. Mandhana recently surpassed Mithali Raj’s long-standing tally of 10,868 runs to become the leading run-scorer in women’s internationals, a landmark achievement that places her in a class of her own.

Historic numbers, historic timing

Mandhana’s rise has arrived at a key moment for Indian women’s cricket. She now holds the record for the most centuries in international cricket among women, moving to 18 and moving ahead of Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt, who are level on 17.

Those numbers do more than decorate a resume. They strengthen the argument that India’s most in-form batter should also be trusted with greater responsibility, especially when the team is preparing for a long-term roadmap rather than a short-term fix.

“The best leadership transitions happen before a team is forced into them.”

That insight seems to capture the spirit of Edulji’s suggestion. India’s women’s setup has already shown it can make history under Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the side to their maiden ODI World Cup win last year. But with the next cycle approaching, the question is whether the team now needs to think one step ahead.

Harmanpreet’s legacy adds to the debate

Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy record remains a significant part of this conversation. At 37, she has delivered some of the most defining moments in Indian women’s cricket, including the historic ODI World Cup triumph that changed the narrative around the team.

Yet Edulji’s point is about timing, not criticism. By asking for a succession plan now, she is essentially urging India to manage the transition carefully, allowing Mandhana to step in with support rather than pressure.

India will begin the Asian Games campaign against Japan in a straight knockout quarterfinal on September 18 at 10:30 AM IST. For now, Harmanpreet stays in charge, but the larger discussion around the team’s future has clearly begun.

Whether the selectors move soon or wait for another cycle, one thing is clear: Mandhana’s bat has already made a powerful case. The next question is whether India is ready to hand her the armband.