Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Captain, Leaves Behind World Cup-Winning Legacy

Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats, bringing an end to a remarkable leadership journey that saw India achieve historic milestones, including their maiden ODI World Cup title on home soil in 2025. The 37-year-old announced her decision on Instagram on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the years she spent leading the national side and reaffirming her commitment to continue representing India as a player. “Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team across all formats. This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Harmanpreet wrote. “Now, I’m ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues,” she added. Harmanpreet’s captaincy will be remembered particularly for India’s historic triumph in the 2025 ODI World Cup. Under her leadership, India defeated South Africa in the final to lift their first-ever title in the tournament, marking a defining moment for women’s cricket in the country. She also guided India to gold at the Asian Games and led the team to victory in the T20 Asia Cup, adding to an impressive record of achievements during her tenure. Harmanpreet first took charge of India’s T20I team in 2016, succeeding Mithali Raj, before becoming the team’s leader across formats. She subsequently took over the ODI captaincy in 2022 and went on to lead India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is. Her leadership spanned a transformative period for Indian women’s cricket, as the team competed at the highest level across formats and celebrated significant international successes. The decision followed a review meeting with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia in Guwahati, where the board communicated its preference for a leadership transition with an eye on the future. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is now among the leading contenders to take over the captaincy. According to reports, Harmanpreet had expressed her willingness to continue leading India, particularly in the ODI and Test formats. However, the BCCI remained firm on its decision to move towards a new leadership phase. Despite stepping down, Harmanpreet will continue to play for India across formats, allowing the team to benefit from her experience, while the transition opens a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket. Harmanpreet’s departure from the captaincy marks the conclusion of an important chapter in Indian cricket. From taking charge of the T20I side in 2016 to leading India to a historic World Cup crown in 2025, she leaves behind a legacy of landmark achievements and memorable moments. As she returns her focus to playing, Harmanpreet’s journey with Indian cricket continues, with her experience and contribution remaining valuable assets for the national team.