In an interview with The Times of India following India's early group-stage exit from the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, the current vice-captain made it clear that she is willing to step up to the role permanently amid ongoing transition talks regarding longtime skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. When asked point-blank about taking over in Harmanpreet's absence or as part of a total transition, she stated unequivocally, “Yes, of course. I am ready.”
She firmly believes her long-standing tenure as vice-captain has given her the necessary preparation to step into the role seamlessly. Reflecting on India's inability to progress past the group stages and addressing the repetition of tactical blunders on the global stage, she admitted, "It's important to introspect and learn from mistakes. Unfortunately, we haven't learnt enough from our past errors and have continued to repeat them.”
Mandhana specifically highlighted the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a brilliant asset for uncovering high-pressure domestic talent, but leveled criticism at how the national set-up integrates them. She stated that while the talent pool is deep, these younger domestic prospects "haven't always been utilised to their best ability" when making the step up to Team India.
The timing of Mandhana's comments coincided with a spectacular personal run of form that stands in stark contrast to the team's tournament struggles. Immediately following the disappointing T20 World Cup exit, Mandhana led from the front in a historic, first-ever Women's Test match at Lord’s, hammering successive half-centuries (83 and 70) to secure a massive 270-run victory over England.
In today's TOI:) pic.twitter.com/SHSwjbZCPv
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) July 15, 2026
Smriti Mandhana backs up captaincy credentials with historic Lord's performance in one-off test against England
India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana delivered a batting masterclass during India's historic 270-run victory over England in the one-off Test match at Lord's. Celebrating her milestone 300th international appearance, Mandhana anchor-rolled the team's top-order across both innings with stellar twin half-centuries.
In the first innings, after England chose to field and reduced India to a shaky 37 for two, Mandhana counter-attacked with immense poise. She smashed an aggressive 83 runs off 108 deliveries, featuring 11 boundaries and a six, setting the tone for India's competitive first-innings total of 285.
This crucial knock stood tall alongside crucial contributions from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma, rescuing India from a precarious opening collapse. Mandhana maintained her incredible rhythm into the second innings, showing immense tactical composure under pressure.
She forged a formidable 88-run opening stand with Shafali Verma, going on to score a gritty, rock-solid 70 off 130 balls. Her defensive discipline successfully blunted the English seam attack and provided the ultimate launchpad for Yastika Bhatia's historic century.
Mandhana’s combined match contribution of 153 runs broke England's spirit, driving India to declare at 341 for 7 and setting up an insurmountable 457-run fourth-innings target. By subduing the hosts on a demanding pitch, Mandhana’s leadership and elegant strokeplay earned high critical praise, reinforcing her status as India's premier multi-format batter and natural leadership heir during a historic landmark outing at the Home of Cricket.
