Leading the cricket news today, the BCCI appointed Smriti Mandhana as the India women's captain across all three formats following Harmanpreet Kaur's decision to step down after a decade. In the men's game, Shreyas Iyer guided India to an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Lucknow with a record-breaking maiden T20I century. Off the field, Gautam Gambhir commended outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar as Pragyan Ojha assumed interim duties, while Rishabh Pant heads to Bengaluru for rehabilitation following a back spasm setback.
Smriti Mandhana Appointed India Women's All-Format Captain
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced that Smriti Mandhana will succeed Harmanpreet Kaur as the full-time captain of the women's national cricket team across all three formats.
Mandhana previously served as vice-captain and now takes charge ahead of the home white-ball series against Zimbabwe. The transition takes place after Kaur formally stepped down following a decade in the role.
“To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply.”
Smriti Mandhana
Why it matters: It begins a new captaincy era for the Indian women's team across all international formats.
↑ HeadlinesGautam Gambhir Pays Tribute as Ajit Agarkar Concludes Chief Selector Term
India men's head coach Gautam Gambhir issued a statement following the conclusion of Ajit Agarkar's three-year term as chairman of the senior men's selection committee. Gambhir commended Agarkar's conviction and commitment to prioritizing the team, noting that his legacy will be judged favorably after India secured three ICC trophies under his watch.
The BCCI has formally invited applications to fill the vacancy, with Pragyan Ojha taking over as chairman in an interim capacity.
“Dear Ajit Bhai, an absolute honour to work with you. Those 3 ICC trophies are testimony of your conviction: Team first & Team ahead, always. I must say, History will be kinder to you. Thank you for everything.”
Gautam Gambhir
Why it matters: It signals a leadership transition on the national selection committee following a successful three-year period.
↑ HeadlinesShreyas Iyer Hits Record Maiden T20I Century in Chase Against West Indies
India captain Shreyas Iyer struck his maiden T20I century, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls to lead India to an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Lucknow. Iyer reached three figures in 42 deliveries, registering the fastest T20I century by an Indian batter against the West Indies.
With this innings, Iyer also became the first Indian captain to score a hundred while chasing in a T20I, surpassing Virat Kohli's previous Indian captaincy record of 94 not out.
Why it matters: The innings establishes a new scoring record for an Indian men's captain during a T20I chase.
↑ HeadlinesIndia Secure Eight-Wicket Win Over West Indies in Opening T20I
India defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the opening T20I in Lucknow. The West Indies posted 171 in their innings, supported by half-centuries from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford, while Indian debutant Naman Dhir claimed bowling figures of 3-31.
India chased down the target with 32 balls remaining. Captain Shreyas Iyer made an unbeaten 102 off 43 deliveries, sharing an unbroken 137-run stand with Ishan Kishan to complete the win.
“I think if we continue with the same mindset we will be one of the most destructive teams in T20I cricket”
Shreyas Iyer
Why it matters: India take the lead in the T20I series behind dominant performances with bat and ball.
↑ HeadlinesRishabh Pant Sidelined by Back Spasms Ahead of New Zealand Tour
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has encountered a fitness setback after developing back spasms following an earlier bout of viral fever during the Irani Cup.
Pant has been ruled out of Delhi's Ranji Trophy opening fixture. He is scheduled to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation, with his availability for the India A tour of New Zealand dependent on fitness clearance.
Why it matters: Pant faces time away from domestic red-ball action as he works to regain fitness for upcoming tours.
↑ HeadlinesVVS Laxman Directed to Attend All Future National Selection Meetings
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman will attend all senior national selection committee meetings in the future.
The decision was finalized at a review meeting in Mumbai to enhance coordination between the selection panel and the Centre of Excellence regarding player injuries and recovery timelines. Laxman attended the recent meeting in Guwahati alongside interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha.
“VVS Laxman will henceforth attend all senior selection committee meetings to ensure there is no miscommunication between selectors and the COE”
Devajit Saikia
Why it matters: The move aligns medical and rehabilitation oversight directly with the national squad selection process.
↑ HeadlinesKieron Pollard Joins Joburg Super Kings at SA20 Season 5 Auction
Kieron Pollard was signed unopposed by Joburg Super Kings for R1.5 million at the SA20 Season 5 auction held in Johannesburg. Pollard previously spent three seasons representing MI Cape Town and currently serves as the batting coach for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
The acquisition represents the first time the West Indian all-rounder will play under the Super Kings banner after more than ten years within the Mumbai Indians franchise setup.
Why it matters: Pollard moves to the Super Kings franchise network for the first time in his T20 league career.
↑ HeadlinesShreyas Iyer Climbs to Seventh in ICC T20I Batting Rankings
The International Cricket Council released its weekly player rankings, with Shreyas Iyer jumping 18 positions to reach a career-best seventh in the men's T20I batting list after his century against the West Indies in Lucknow. Shubman Gill increased his lead at the top of the ODI batting rankings to 841 rating points following an unbeaten 223 in Guwahati.
In the men's T20I bowling rankings, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan returned to the top spot, moving ahead of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Why it matters: Strong international performances have driven key changes at the top of the ICC global rankings.
↑ HeadlinesAbhishek Porel Included in Bengal Squad for Ranji Trophy Opener
Wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has been named in Bengal's 17-member squad for their Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi in Kalyani. Porel had not featured in competitive cricket since IPL 2026.
Porel was recently granted bail after an August arrest concerning allegations of rape and other sexual offences. The Cricket Association of Bengal cleared his return to the side, which will be captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran.
Why it matters: Porel returns to Bengal's domestic squad following clearance from the state cricket association.
↑ HeadlinesShafali Verma, Sree Charani and Chamari Athapaththu Nominated for ICC Award
The International Cricket Council named Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, India opening batter Shafali Verma, and Indian leg-spinner Sree Charani as nominees for the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for September 2026.
The three players were recognized by the ICC for their leadership and individual performances across both the Women's Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
Why it matters: Two Indian players have been shortlisted for international recognition following strong continental campaigns.
↑ HeadlinesQuick hits
- Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out of competitive cricket for three to four weeks with a left hamstring strain, sidelining him from Karnataka's Ranji Trophy opener.
- Delhi Capitals appointed former India captain Sourav Ganguly as their head coach for the 2027 IPL season, replacing Hemang Badani.
- Sourav Ganguly confirmed that the BCCI ombudsman issued an order permitting him to serve as Delhi Capitals head coach while remaining president of the Cricket Association of Bengal.
- Indian all-rounder Naman Dhir credited his domestic cricket preparation after taking 3-31 on his international debut against the West Indies in Lucknow.
- Australia all-rounder Cameron Green will miss the opening Test against South Africa in Durban due to an abdominal strain.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new captain of the India women's cricket team?
Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as India women's full-time captain across all three formats, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur.
What record did Shreyas Iyer set against the West Indies in Lucknow?
Iyer scored an unbeaten 102 to become the first Indian captain to hit a T20I century while chasing, and set the record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian against the West Indies.
Who is currently serving as the interim chief selector for the Indian men's cricket team?
Pragyan Ojha has taken over the role of interim chairman of the senior men's selection committee after Ajit Agarkar completed his three-year term.
Why is Rishabh Pant missing Delhi's Ranji Trophy opener?
Pant is sidelined due to back spasms following an earlier bout of viral fever and will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.
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