Indian cricket witnessed major leadership transitions and squad announcements today. In key cricket news today, Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain of the Indian women's team across all formats, with Smriti Mandhana taking charge for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned a recall to India's T20I squad for the tour of New Zealand under interim selection committee chairman Pragyan Ojha. Off the field, Sourav Ganguly took over as head coach of Delhi Capitals, and World Cup 2027 ticket demand crossed one million applications.
Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women's Captain
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats after leading the national side for nearly a decade. Her decision came following a review meeting with the BCCI in Guwahati, where the squad's recent performances were evaluated.
Kaur led India to their maiden 50-over World Cup title in 2025. She confirmed that she will continue playing for the national team as an active squad member.
“Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team across all formats.”
Harmanpreet Kaur
Why it matters: It marks the conclusion of a decade-long leadership tenure that brought India their first 50-over Women's World Cup title.
↑ HeadlinesBhuvneshwar Kumar Recalled for India's T20I Tour of New Zealand
The BCCI Men's Selection Committee has recalled 36-year-old fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India's T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand starting on October 22. Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has also returned to the side after recovering from a side strain that ruled him out of the Asian Games.
Shreyas Iyer will captain the T20I squad during the tour. The BCCI also confirmed the India A touring squad for three multi-day matches, naming Rishabh Pant subject to fitness clearance.
Why it matters: Fans will see Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in India's T20I bowling attack alongside returning spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.
↑ HeadlinesIndia Women's Squads Picked for Zimbabwe Series as Niki Prasad Earns Call-Up
The BCCI has announced 15-player squads for the upcoming home assignment against Zimbabwe, consisting of three T20Is in Raipur and three ODIs in Vadodara starting on October 16 under new captain Smriti Mandhana.
Batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out of the entire series due to an injury. Uncapped player Niki Prasad has received her maiden national call-up to the senior squad.
Why it matters: Supporters will track uncapped Niki Prasad's first senior outing as India begin home matches without the injured Jemimah Rodrigues.
↑ HeadlinesSourav Ganguly Appointed Delhi Capitals Head Coach for IPL 2027
Delhi Capitals have announced former India captain Sourav Ganguly as their new head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League season. This role marks Ganguly's first head coaching position in the IPL.
Ganguly succeeds Hemang Badani as JSW Sports takes charge of team operations following the end of GMR's operational cycle. Ganguly has previously worked with the franchise as an advisor and director of cricket.
Why it matters: It brings Sourav Ganguly into his first official head coaching assignment in the Indian Premier League.
↑ Headlines2027 Men's World Cup Ticket Applications Cross 1.1 Million in Three Days
The International Cricket Council announced that ticket applications for the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia exceeded 1.1 million within three days of opening. Over 320,000 individual supporters registered for the ballot.
The India versus Pakistan group encounter saw the greatest demand, drawing more than 110,000 ticket requests. India's group fixtures against South Africa and Australia also saw high numbers, attracting over 92,000 and 86,000 applications respectively.
Why it matters: The overwhelming interest confirms huge fan engagement for the 2027 tournament, led by India's marquee group matches.
↑ HeadlinesBhuvneshwar Returns to T20I Squad as Jasprit Bumrah Rested
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to India's T20I setup for the five-match series in New Zealand after nearly four years away from the national side. The series gets underway in Christchurch on October 22.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the tour. The selection decision was overseen by interim selection committee chairman Pragyan Ojha following the conclusion of Ajit Agarkar's tenure.
Why it matters: Indian seam bowling options are reshuffled for the New Zealand tour with Jasprit Bumrah rested and Bhuvneshwar Kumar back.
↑ HeadlinesBCCI Invites Applications for Men's Selection Committee Vacancy
The BCCI has released a media advisory inviting applications for one position on the Men's Selection Committee after chief selector Ajit Agarkar ended his tenure. Agarkar's contract concluded on October 4 after he chose not to seek an extension.
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha is serving as interim chairman alongside selectors Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, and RP Singh. Candidates must have retired at least five years ago and played seven Tests or 30 first-class matches for India.
Why it matters: The recruitment process will shape the leadership of India's men's selection panel following Ajit Agarkar's exit.
↑ HeadlinesShimron Hetmyer Expresses Dissent After Run-Out Against India
West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer argued with on-field umpires following a run-out dismissal during the first T20I against India at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The third umpire gave Hetmyer out after television replays showed his bat was airborne when wicketkeeper Sanju Samson took off the bails. Hetmyer protested the decision on the pitch and continued showing displeasure while walking back to the dugout.
Why it matters: The run-out produced an on-field argument during the opening match of the T20I series between India and the West Indies.
↑ HeadlinesIshan Kishan Passes 3,000 International Runs in Lucknow T20I
Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan crossed 3,000 international runs across formats during India's first T20I victory against the West Indies in Lucknow. He scored an unbeaten 37 during an unbroken second-wicket stand with Shreyas Iyer to complete the chase in 14.4 overs.
The innings took Kishan to 1,079 international runs in 2026. That tally establishes him as India's leading run-scorer across ODIs and T20Is in the current calendar year.
Why it matters: Kishan strengthens his standing in India's white-ball batting lineup by becoming their highest international run-scorer in 2026.
↑ HeadlinesQuick hits
- Smriti Mandhana has been named full-time white-ball captain of the Indian women's team ahead of their home series against Zimbabwe starting October 16 in Raipur.
- Shreyas Iyer hit an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls to lead India to an eight-wicket win over West Indies in the first T20I in Lucknow after Naman Dhir took 3 for 31.
- Seventeen-year-old Eboni Brathwaite scored a 20-ball fifty as West Indies beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in Harare to claim a 2-0 series lead.
- KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Devdutt Padikkal were named in India A's 15-player squad for three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A beginning October 24.
- The BCCI formed two ad-hoc selection panels led by Harvinder Singh and Harvinder Singh Sodhi to oversee senior and junior team selections for Bihar.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new captain of the Indian women's cricket team?
Smriti Mandhana has been named full-time white-ball captain of the Indian women's cricket team following Harmanpreet Kaur's decision to step down.
Why was Jasprit Bumrah omitted from India's T20I squad for New Zealand?
Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand starting on October 22.
Who has Delhi Capitals appointed as head coach for IPL 2027?
Delhi Capitals announced former India captain Sourav Ganguly as their head coach for the 2027 season, succeeding Hemang Badani.
Who is currently heading the BCCI Men's Selection Committee?
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha is serving as interim chairman of the Men's Selection Committee after Ajit Agarkar's contract ended on October 4.
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