Deepti Sharma has been named ODI vice-captain after Smriti Mandhana was appointed full-time captain across all three formats. The all-rounder takes on the role ahead of India's three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe starting Friday, October 23, 2026. Deepti said she was ready to embrace the new responsibility and support the newly appointed skipper in the coming matches.

On the eve of the series opener, Deepti outlined her approach to the vice-captaincy role and her commitment to the team's objectives at a press conference on October 22, 2026.

"When you get a new role, I take it as a challenge. When this news came, I felt good that I could help the other players as much as possible for the team. So, when I got this role, I was very happy," Deepti was quoted as saying by Business Standard.

What is India's approach to team selection?

The all-rounder emphasised her dual focus on individual performance and supporting the captain. Her mindset centres on winning matches while assisting Mandhana in her new leadership position.

"My mindset is to win as many matches as possible for the team, whether as a player or as vice-captain. In this role, I can help Smriti as much as possible," Deepti said.

Deepti assessed the pitch conditions at the venue and outlined India's batting ambitions for the opening match. She predicted a batting-friendly surface based on training sessions and India's familiarity with local conditions.

"The pitch is very good. From the training session we had, we know it will be a good batting track. We have played so many matches, and our team knows very well how the wickets are going to be and what the conditions will be. So, we are pretty sure about what to expect," Deepti said.

India will target a substantial total if they bat first in the series opener. The vice-captain outlined the team's scoring expectations while acknowledging the variables that come with the toss and pitch behaviour.

"We will think of scoring more than 300. But it will still depend on what happens after the toss and what kind of wicket we get. That will also be in our minds. But if we bat first, we will score at least 300," Deepti said.

How does Deepti view Zimbabwe as opposition?

The vice-captain declined to reveal the playing combination for the opening match, stating that the final decision would be made closer to the game. She stressed the importance of settling on a balanced combination across batting and bowling roles.

"The combination will be known just before the game. It will be good for the team if we can settle on a good combination, whether as bowlers or batters. Whatever combination we choose will be good for the team," Deepti said.

Deepti stressed the importance of consistency in team selection and approach across formats. She emphasised that unnecessary changes would be avoided in favour of repeating what has worked well.

"Whether it is T20Is or ODIs, we always try to do well as a team, and we are doing that. There is no need for unnecessary changes. Whatever we have been doing well, we want to repeat," Deepti added.

The vice-captain cautioned against underestimating Zimbabwe, highlighting their recent performances and squad strength. She acknowledged that the team has undergone changes and possesses several strong players, particularly in the T20 format.

"We are playing against them for the first time, but they look like a different team. They have new players and have built a new team. But the way they have played in T20s, they have some very good players," Deepti concluded.