Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur, who has long led the Indian women’s cricket team, has resigned from the captaincy across all formats. She announced this decision through a social media post. With Harmanpreet stepping down, the biggest question now is who will take charge of the Indian women’s team. Smriti Mandhana is considered a leading contender for the role.
In her post, Harmanpreet Kaur wrote that stepping down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats was not an easy decision. She noted that this decision is intertwined with years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and experiences that she will cherish for a lifetime.
Harmanpreet Kaur: The Team Always Came First
Harmanpreet stated that she has given her all for the Indian team and women’s cricket. She wrote that she dedicated her time and effort, often sacrificing her own game and personal ambitions. On many occasions, she had to set aside her individual performance and desires because the team always came first for her.
Reflecting on her journey as captain, she mentioned facing difficult times, defeats, criticism, and doubt, while also experiencing victories, celebrations, and the pride of representing the country. According to her, these experiences were incredibly special and made every sacrifice worthwhile.
Captaincy Ends, but the Journey Continues
Harmanpreet Kaur said she is stepping down with a heart full of emotion but a mind at peace. She is confident that the Indian women’s team is now in a strong position, possessing the talent, character, belief, and potential for a brilliant future.
She expressed the belief that she has fulfilled her duty to the team and that the opportunity to captain Indian women’s cricket will always be a source of pride for her. Although her tenure as captain has ended, her love for Indian cricket remains undiminished. Harmanpreet expressed her gratitude to her teammates, coaching staff, support staff, team management, the BCCI, her family, and the fans who supported her throughout her journey. She clarified that, having stepped down from the captaincy, she now wishes to play purely for the love of the game as a player.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Major Achievements as Captain
The Indian women’s cricket team has achieved several significant milestones under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership. In November 2025, under her captaincy, India defeated South Africa to clinch the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title for the first time.
Additionally, Harmanpreet won the Women’s Asia Cup title four times as captain. Under her leadership, India also secured a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games. Furthermore, the Indian team reached the final of the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Indian women’s team also achieved a major feat by winning the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games under Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy. Now, having stepped down as captain, Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to play as a member of the team.
