Published on: Oct 6, 2026 4:45 pm IST|Updated on: Oct 6, 2026 4:45 pm IST
In a major development regarding Indian women’s cricket, long-serving skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the skipper of the Indian women’s team across formats. This all-of-a-sudden call marks the end of an influential decade-long leadership era that reshaped Indian women’s cricket for good.
The announcement came shortly after India secured yet another Asian Games Gold medal in the recently concluded 2026 Asian Games. Harmanpreet leaves behind a powerful legacy built on fearlessness, tactical aggression, and relentless belief.
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Harmanpreet Kaur, who took over the captaincy reins from senior batter Mithali Raj, took to social media to share her announcement. Reflecting on her intense voyage as the national skipper, Harmanpreet acknowledged the weight of the moment and expressed confidence, stating that Indian women’s cricket is in safe hands. Here’s what she wrote on her social media post.
“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. I leave the captaincy today with a heart full of emotions, but also with PEACE. Because I genuinely believe my team is in a good place. Now, I’m ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues.”
Harmanpreet first took charge of India’s T20I side back in 2016. Later, in 2022, she was appointed full-time captain across formats following the retirement of legendary batter Mithali Raj. Under Harmanpreet’s guidance, the Indian women’s team transformed into a fierce and competitive side capable of standing toe-to-toe against world-class opponents.
Across her 211 international games for Team India as the skipper, her crowning glory arrived when India lifted the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, making her the only Indian women’s skipper to win an ODI World Cup. In addition, she led India to a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2022 and two consecutive Asian Games gold medals.
Take a close look at Harmanpreet Kaur’s stellar captaincy record.
The BCCI is set to announce her successor soon, with star opener Smriti Mandhana widely regarded as the frontrunner to step up and lead the next generation. Smriti currently serves as Harmanpreet’s deputy across formats, and she appears to be the selectors’ first choice to lead the Indian women’s team post-Harmanpreet Kaur.