Former India captain Anjum Chopra has identified building on the team’s existing progress as Smriti Mandhana’s biggest challenge after she was appointed India’s all-format captain, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur. Chopra believes Mandhana should establish her own leadership style rather than attempt to replicate her predecessor’s approach. She said the new captain must address the team’s shortcomings in both T20 internationals and one-day internationals while guiding the players towards greater achievements. Mandhana’s appointment marks a new phase for Indian women’s cricket after Harmanpreet’s nearly decade-long tenure as captain.

Speaking to IANS, Chopra noted that Mandhana already has considerable experience leading teams at international and domestic levels. She previously captained India in four ODIs and 18 T20Is and has also led Maharashtra in domestic cricket. Her success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League, where she guided the franchise to titles in 2024 and 2026, has further strengthened her leadership credentials. Chopra believes these experiences give Mandhana a foundation to take charge of the national side with greater confidence.

Chopra emphasised that Mandhana’s primary responsibility would be to identify areas requiring improvement and build on the progress made by the current group of players. She compared the leadership transition to a relay race, explaining that Mandhana had received the responsibility while already possessing valuable experience. How effectively she converts that advantage into better performances, decision-making and team development will determine her success as captain. Chopra also stressed that the team’s established players must continue progressing together rather than relying exclusively on the captain.

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The former captain also cautioned against expecting Mandhana to follow Harmanpreet’s leadership template. According to Chopra, every captain must learn from previous leaders while developing an individual approach suited to the team’s needs. Mandhana has spent more than a decade representing India and has gained experience against international opponents in different conditions. Chopra believes the next step is to use those lessons to shape her own decisions, establish clear roles within the squad and help the team reach a higher level.

Mandhana’s first full-time assignment as captain will be India’s home series against Zimbabwe, beginning with three T20 internationals in Raipur from October 16. The series will provide an opportunity for the squad to adjust to the leadership change, with Chopra suggesting that the relatively unfamiliar opposition could give the players time to settle into the new arrangement. She also highlighted the importance of every player understanding their responsibilities, particularly as India prepares for future international competitions.

Mandhana enters the role after achieving several individual milestones in international cricket. In September, she surpassed Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket across formats. She also holds the record for the most international centuries by a women’s batter, with 18, and became the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats. Chopra said Mandhana’s past achievements and leadership experience have prepared her for the responsibility, but her performance as national captain will ultimately be judged by the decisions she makes and the progress the team achieves under her leadership.

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