Harmanpreet Kaur Has been T20 captain since 2016, but his inconsistent performance as a batsman doesn’t make him an automatic choice to replace Mithali in longer formats.
Mandhana, on the other hand, has established herself as one of the best batsmen in the world.
Shantha, who led India to its first Test win in 1976, said, “Smriti is an ideal option after Mithali’s retirement. She is one of the best performers for India and should be given a chance to lead the country.
Shantha, who is also a member of BCCI’s Apex Council, believes that the captaincy has influenced Harmanpreet’s batting which she feels is crucial for India’s success.
Mandhana, who has played four Tests, 62 ODIs and 84 T20Is, was last seen in the Women’s Big Bash in Australia where she also scored a century against Melbourne Renegades.
Harmanpreet, who has been battling form and fitness for the last 12 months, did well in the Big Bash as well and it remains to be seen if she can take that form to the highest level.
India’s next assignment will be the away series against New Zealand ahead of the World Cup in March-April. India was the runner-up in 2017.
With the conclusion of the Women’s Challenger on Thursday, Shanta said the competition showed that there is no dearth of talent in the country.
“The event has unleashed a lot of talent which is a good sign for women’s cricket. It also shows that we are ready for the women’s IPL,” she added.
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