Smriti Mandhana will benefit from Harmanpreet Kaur’s guidance, says BCCI president Mithun Manhas

Smriti Mandhana recently replaced Harmanpreet Kaur as India’s full-time all-format captain.

Smriti Mandhana has taken over as India’s women’s captain, and BCCI president Mithun Manhas wants Harmanpreet Kaur to stay close to the decision-making as she settles in.

In an exclusive conversation with Sportstar, Manhas said India’s succession model has always depended on a senior figure being around for the new captain.

“I have always believed that the baton should be passed on when you have somebody senior around to guide them,” he said. “Because captaincy is not easy, no matter how experienced you are.”

Manhas traced the pattern through the men’s side. Sourav Ganguly stayed on after stepping down to guide M.S. Dhoni, Dhoni was around when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma took charge, and the same applies now with Shubman Gill. “This transformation has helped Indian cricket in a big way,” he said.

He expects the women’s team to follow the same path. “There will be situations when you have to make decisions and you are confused. So, I think Harmanpreet will be an asset for Smriti,” Manhas said.

Asked what went into the decision to appoint Mandhana, Manhas did not address the selection process directly and spoke instead about the support structure around her.