Calls for Smriti Mandhana to Succeed Harmanpreet Kaur Following World Cup Triumph
A day after India’s remarkable victory at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, former captain Shantha Rangaswamy has called for a change in leadership. She believes that Harmanpreet Kaur should step down as captain to enhance her performance as a player. Rangaswamy suggests that Smriti Mandhana, 29, would be a fitting successor to lead the team across all formats, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision for Indian cricket as they prepare for future tournaments.
Leadership Transition Suggested
Shantha Rangaswamy, a former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, has voiced her opinion on the need for a leadership transition following India’s historic World Cup win. She argues that Harmanpreet Kaur, while an exceptional batter and fielder, could perform even better without the pressures of captaincy. Rangaswamy stated, “It’s overdue. Because Harman as a batter and a fielder is brilliant. Yes. But tactically, she can fumble at times.” She believes that stepping down would allow Kaur to focus on her batting, which is crucial for the team’s future success.
Rangaswamy pointed out that the decision should be made with an eye on the future, particularly with the next ODI World Cup set for 2029 and the T20 World Cup in the UK next year. She strongly supports Smriti Mandhana as the ideal candidate to take over the captaincy across formats, stating, “You need to plan for future World Cups also.” This perspective highlights the importance of strategic planning in Indian cricket, especially after achieving significant milestones.
Concerns Over Bowling Performance
While celebrating the team’s World Cup victory, Rangaswamy also raised concerns about the bowling department. She noted that although batting has become a strong point for the team, the bowling remains a vulnerability. “In our days batting used to be the weaker link. Now batting has a settled look but bowling is a concern. Fielding too can be a lot better,” she remarked. Rangaswamy referenced Australia’s semifinal defeat to India, suggesting that their inability to defend a total of 338 runs was a significant factor in the match outcome.
She emphasized that teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh have better bowling attacks, indicating that India must address these weaknesses to maintain their competitive edge. The focus on improving the bowling unit is crucial as the team prepares for upcoming international challenges.
Future of Women’s Cricket in India
Rangaswamy is optimistic about the future of women’s cricket in India, predicting that the World Cup victory will lead to a surge in the sport’s popularity. She believes that this triumph will inspire countless young girls to take up cricket, stating, “Ten years down the line, you would see the massive impact of this win.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of women’s sports in India and the potential for increased participation and support.
Additionally, she commended the efforts of outgoing chief selector Neetu David and her panel for assembling a championship-winning team. The success of the team not only highlights the talent within Indian women’s cricket but also sets a precedent for future generations. Rangaswamy’s insights underscore the importance of nurturing talent and planning for sustained success in the sport.
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