Why Smriti Mandhana Should Replace Harmanpreet Kaur As India’s Captain

Smriti Mandhana recently led RCB to win Maiden WPL title in 2024 [Source: @WomensCriczone/X.com]

The Indian Women’s Cricket Team has long relied on its leaders to steer the team through crucial matches and tournaments. While Harmanpreet Kaur has been at the helm since 2013, her recent performances as both a captain and a player raise questions about her effectiveness in the role. 

Smriti Mandhana, on the other hand, has been in scintillating form and presents a compelling case for being handed the captaincy. However, let's not jump too early and delve at the finer details of Mandhana and Harmanpreet's capabilities as a player and as a captain.

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Why Smriti Mandhana Will Be A Better Fit as captain

Smriti Mandhana is in rampage mode

• Smriti Mandhana is currently at the peak of her career, showcasing consistency and brilliance across formats. Her recent heroics against the West Indies and Australia speak volumes about her skills and hunger to strive for better.
• Mandhana recorded a ton in the Australia series and also displayed consistency in the West Indies series with her figures of 62, 77, 91, and 53. Therefore, Mandhana’s ability to anchor innings while maintaining an aggressive strike rate makes her indispensable. Her consistency is a stark contrast to Harmanpreet’s recent struggles, highlighting her potential to lead by example.

Harmanpreet is struggling with the bat

• Harmanpreet Kaur, known for her explosive batting and historic performances, such as the 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup, has struggled to replicate her past heroics. Kaur's recent numbers suggest a worrying decline in form with no spark in the recent West Indies visit.
• Kaur has achieved figures of 22, 34, 13, and 12 in her last 4 matches and has averaged 23 in the last 5 matches she played. 

Harmanpreet's records as India captain have not been great

• As a captain, Harmanpreet Kaur's record in major tournaments has also been underwhelming. India’s inability to clinch titles under her leadership, despite having a strong team on paper, raises questions about her stature.
• India's performances in ICC tournaments and bilateral series under Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy have been inconsistent. While she has had moments of brilliance, the recent elimination of India from the Women's T20 World Cup highlighted her inability to lead the team to the semi-finals. Additionally, she failed to secure the T20 World Cup title in 2020, which raises concerns about her leadership on the big stage.

Smriti led RCB to win maiden title in WPL 2024

• Smriti Mandhana’s leadership credentials received a significant boost when she led the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. 
• This achievement highlights her readiness to take on the responsibility of leading the national side, after delivering a major win as a captain in red hot form.

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