Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team in all formats, bringing her leadership tenure to an end while confirming that she will continue playing for the national side.
The decision was announced after a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) review meeting in Guwahati, which assessed the team’s performances over the past few months and discussed its future roadmap. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia chaired the meeting, attended by Harmanpreet, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar.
Harmanpreet’s departure from the leadership role closes a defining chapter for Indian women’s cricket. During her tenure, the team achieved historic milestones, including an ODI World Cup victory and an Asian Games gold medal. Smriti Mandhana, who has served as vice-captain for a long period, is expected to guide the team into its next leadership phase.
It remains unclear whether Harmanpreet was persuaded to take the decision during the review meeting. However, the timing of the announcement has prompted discussion within the cricket fraternity.
In a detailed social media message, Harmanpreet described the decision as difficult but said she believed the time had come to move on after giving years of service to the national team. She first assumed the captaincy in 2016, having earlier handled the responsibility on an interim basis.
Harmanpreet said her stint as captain involved years of memories, sacrifices and emotionally demanding moments. She added that she had often placed the team’s needs ahead of her own individual performance, personal development and ambitions.
Her leadership had been the subject of sustained debate, with several former cricketers and pundits calling for the captaincy to be handed over to Mandhana. Questions had also been raised about some of Harmanpreet’s tactical decisions and her batting performances. In her message, however, she maintained that every decision had been taken with the team’s improvement in mind and to help other players develop confidence and reach their potential.
Reflecting on her tenure, Harmanpreet referred to the difficult phases, defeats, criticism and doubts, as well as the victories, celebrations and pride associated with representing India. She said she was leaving the captaincy with peace of mind because she believed the team possessed talent, character, belief and a promising future.
Harmanpreet also thanked her teammates, coaches, support staff, management, the BCCI, her family and fans for standing by her throughout the highs and lows. She said that while her captaincy had ended, her connection with Indian cricket had not.
The change will allow Harmanpreet to focus on her role as a batter without the burden of constant tactical scrutiny. It also gives the national team an opportunity to settle under a new strategy ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
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