Smriti Mandhana Named New India Captain as Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down

Why in the News?

India has named top-order batter Smriti Mandhana as the new captain of the Indian women's cricket team following the decision of Women's World Cup-winning skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to step down from the leadership role.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Change in Leadership: Smriti Mandhana (30) steps up from her role as vice-captain to lead the national team after Harmanpreet Kaur (37) announced her decision to step down.

- Harmanpreet Kaur's Legacy: Kaur captained India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs, and 155 T20Is, leading the team to its first-ever 50-over World Cup triumph on home soil, 4 T20 Asia Cup titles, and 2 Asian Games gold medals (including the Aichi-Nagoya Games).

- Decision Context: Kaur's decision came following a discussion on the team's future with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia. Kaur, the most-capped player in women's international cricket history, will continue playing as a batter.

- Smriti Mandhana's Career Profile: Mandhana made her international debut in 2013 and has played 9 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 179 T20Is. She has previously captained India in 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs, and led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.

Static GK Facts:

- BCCI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

- Current BCCI Secretary: Devajit Saikia.

- Head Coach of Indian Women's Cricket Team: Amol Muzumdar.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Who has been named the new captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team following Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation?

A: Smriti Mandhana

Q: Which Women's Premier League (WPL) franchise is captained by Smriti Mandhana?

A: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Q: Where is the headquarters of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) located?

A: Mumbai

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