Indian women's cricket is set to witness a new era as Smriti Mandhana takes up the role of full-time white-ball captain following a hectic transition period.

The 25-year-old opener will lead the side in both the T20I and ODI formats, with Shafali Verma as her deputy in the shortest format, while Deepti Sharma will be her vice-captain in the ODI.

Harmanpreet Kaur has relinquished the captaincy across formats but remains an integral part of the set-up as she has been named in both sides for the upcoming series.

A new leadership structure takes shape: Smriti Mandhana

Harmanpreet's decision will see the end of her reign as India's white-ball captain but not her international career, as the 36-year-old will stay on as a player, giving Mandhana the benefit of a former captain in the dressing room as India ease into the transition.

The Zimbabwe tour will give the first real chance to see how the new leadership group operates. India will face off against Zimbabwe in three T20Is in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20 before heading to Vadodara for three ODIs on October 23, 25 and 28.

The responsibility for Mandhana comes with another step in her evolution as one of the most important figures in Indian women's cricket, as she will now lead the team in both white-ball formats while also balancing her role as one of India's premier batters.

The choice of Shafali as T20I vice-captain is especially interesting as the explosive opener has been one of India's most influential players in the format and has now got an opportunity to shoulder greater leadership responsibility.

Deepti, meanwhile, will serve as Mandhana's deputy in ODIs. A key all-rounder who contributes both with bat and ball, she has plenty of experience in the new leadership group.

Along with Mandhana and Harmanpreet, the pair could form the core of India's leadership transition, blending experience and a younger generation ready to take responsibility.

New faces get another opportunity in T20Is

The T20I squad also signals India's willingness to look beyond established names. Pratika Rawal misses out while Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Anushka Sharma and Jintimani Kalita have made the 15-member group.

All four were part of India's recent limited-overs and multi-day assignments against Australia Women and so have the chance to prove themselves again.

The squad also features wicketkeepers Richa Ghosh and G Kamalini alongside experienced campaigners such as Deepti, Harmanpreet and Arundhati Reddy.

The ODI squad sees Pratika Rawal return while Harleen Deol is also included as India continue to build depth in the format.

Jemimah Rodrigues is unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury in August. The batter has already missed the Women's T20 Asia Cup and the Asian Games, and so her absence is a notable one for India's ODI plans.

There is, however, opportunity for several other players to make their mark. Vaishnavi Sharma has been rewarded for an impressive six-wicket haul against Australia Women A, while Tejal Hasabnis and Sayali Satghare have also been included.

The bowling group features Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma, and so India have a mix of experience and emerging talent.

On paper, the series against Zimbabwe may not carry the same weight as a major tournament or a high-profile bilateral contest, but for India it is a big step as it is the start of a new leadership cycle.

Mandhana inherits a side with established stars, emerging players and a former captain still available within the squad. How she handles the mix could shape India's white-ball identity for the months ahead.

The appointments of Shafali and Deepti suggest that India are looking beyond a single captain and towards a broader leadership group. With Harmanpreet continuing as a player, the Zimbabwe series could then become the first glimpse of what India's next generation of leadership looks like.

India T20I squad

Smriti Mandhana (c), Shafali Verma (vc), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita, Minnu Mani.

India ODI squad

Smriti Mandhana (c), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (vc), Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandani Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Renuka Thakur.