Smriti Mandhana Named India Captain Across All Formats for South Africa Tour as BCCI Announces Squad

Abhirah Goel

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India's women's squads for the upcoming all-format tour of South Africa in December 2026, with Smriti Mandhana appointed captain across all three formats. The announcement marks another significant milestone in Mandhana's leadership journey as she prepares to take charge of the Indian team in Test cricket as well.

India are scheduled to play one Test, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is) against South Africa. The selection committee has also made some notable changes, including the return of Jemimah Rodrigues and the inclusion of young players across different formats.

Smriti Mandhana Takes Charge Across All Three Formats

Smriti Mandhana was appointed India's full-time captain in October 2026 after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership position.

Although Mandhana had already taken charge of India's white-ball teams, the South Africa tour will see her lead the Test side for the first time. Her appointment reflects the selectors' confidence in her experience, consistency and leadership abilities.

Mandhana has previously captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs. She has also enjoyed considerable success in franchise cricket, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles in 2024 and 2026.

Deepti Sharma has been named vice-captain of the Test and ODI squads, while Shafali Verma will serve as Mandhana's deputy in the T20I format.

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Jemimah Rodrigues Returns to India's Squad

One of the biggest highlights of the squad announcement is the return of Jemimah Rodrigues to India's white-ball teams.

The middle-order batter missed India's previous assignments after suffering a hamstring injury during The Hundred in August 2026. Her return will strengthen India's batting department ahead of the challenging South African conditions.

Meanwhile, Assam fast bowler Jintimani Kalita has earned her maiden Test call-up. She has been included in both the Test and ODI squads following her recent international debut against Zimbabwe.

Experienced players Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh have also retained their places across all three formats.

India's Squads for South Africa Tour 2026

 Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Deepti Sharma (VC), Sree Charani, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma, Jintimani Kalita and Sayali Satghare.

 Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Deepti Sharma (VC), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma, Jintimani Kalita and Sayali Satghare.

 Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma (VC), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, Niki Prasad, Richa Ghosh (WK), G. Kamalini (WK), Anushka Sharma, Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani, Prema Rawat, Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy and Sayali Satghare.

India Women's Tour of South Africa 2026: Full Schedule

India's tour will begin with a one-off Test in Gqeberha on December 9. The team will then compete in three ODIs and three T20Is.

The three-match ODI series will also be important for India's position in the ICC Women's Championship 2025-29.

Can Smriti Mandhana Lead India to Success?

 presents an important opportunity for Smriti Mandhana to establish herself as India's leader across all formats.

With experienced campaigners, returning players and promising young talents in the squad, India have a strong combination for the upcoming challenge.

The selectors will expect Mandhana to lead from the front as India aim to deliver consistent performances and achieve positive results across all three formats.

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