IND-W vs ZIM-W: Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy era begins as India weigh options ahead of 1st T20I

Smriti Mandhana in the nets
Smriti Mandhana in the nets (PC: BCCI Women)

Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy era begins on Friday in Raipur as India take on Zimbabwe in the first of a three-match home WT20I series. It is the first-ever bilateral women’s series between the two sides, making it a historic occasion. For Indian fans, however, the bigger storyline is the start of a new chapter under Mandhana, who has been appointed India’s all-format captain following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down.

India will start as favourites, with Zimbabwe facing a tough challenge against the hosts. The visitors, however, have already played 18 T20Is this year. Although they are yet to register a win, matches against higher-ranked teams such as New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and the West Indies have provided valuable exposure. They will now look to put up a more competitive performance in Raipur.

The biggest talking point ahead of the series opener is India’s team combination. While the batting order appears settled up to No. 6, the No. 3 slot remains up for grabs. With Jemimah Rodrigues continuing her rehabilitation from a hamstring injury and Pratika Rawal not in contention, who will get the opportunity?

Anushka Sharma, G Kamalini, and Niki Prasad
Anushka Sharma, G Kamalini, and Niki Prasad (PC: BCCI Women)

G Kamalini, who batted at No. 3 during the recent Asian Games, is one option. Anushka Sharma and Niki Prasad are also in contention. During the pre-series media interaction, Mandhana acknowledged the choices available to the team.

“Jemimah has been injured for the last two months,” she said. “And I think we have got exciting players. Anushka and Niki, who have done really well in India, and of course Kamalini, who was number 3 in the Asian Games. So, we have a lot of options.”

Anushka, who is returning to the senior set-up, last featured against South Africa, where she opened twice and batted at No. 4 once. Her latest call-up follows impressive performances for India A in the recent multi-format home series against Australia A, where she also recorded impressive strike rates.

Minnu Mani and Deepti Sharma
Minnu Mani and Deepti Sharma (PC: BCCI Women)

Using Niki at No. 3, however, could be a tricky proposition. Her recent performances suggest that she has developed into a finisher, a role she fulfilled for India A against Australia A across formats, mostly batting at No. 6 or No. 7. Her off-spin and all-round ability could also strengthen her case for a place in the XI, with the youngster potentially providing support to Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma in the finishing department.

India also have options in the bowling department. With Deepti Sharma not serving as vice-captain in this format, Minnu Mani could be considered for a place in the XI in one or two matches. Meanwhile, while Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma have already had opportunities to showcase their abilities, this series could offer Arundhati Reddy and Jintimani Kalita a platform to demonstrate their current form and quality.

Including this series and the upcoming three T20Is in South Africa, India have only six T20Is left in which to assess their options before the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in February 2027. Giving players who have not featured regularly opportunities to prove themselves will therefore be important. Without sufficient game time, it becomes difficult for the team management to assess their readiness for bigger assignments.

Jintimani Kalita and Arundhati Reddy
Jintimani Kalita and Arundhati Reddy (PC: BCCI Women)

All eyes will be on the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium as Mandhana begins her full-time captaincy journey. Having served as vice-captain for a long time and led India on several occasions when required, she also brings leadership experience from the Women’s Premier League. She will now look to begin her new chapter with a strong performance against Zimbabwe.

India’s predicted playing XI: Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma (VC), G Kamalini/Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Niki Prasad, Prema Rawat, N Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita.

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