The announcement came after a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati, where the team’s recent performances and overall trajectory were discussed.
Harmanpreet Kaur announces captaincy exit
Harmanpreet Kaur announced her decision through a lengthy statement on Instagram.
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“Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team across all formats,” she wrote.
Calling it a difficult decision, Harmanpreet said the role carried years of memories, emotions and sacrifices that would remain with her.
She added that she was now ready to return to playing the game without the responsibilities of captaincy, concluding, “Captaincy ends. The journey continues.”
Harmanpreet’s journey as India captain
Harmanpreet first led India in 2012 during an Asia Cup match against Pakistan in Guangzhou. She officially became the T20I captain in 2016.
Following Mithali Raj’s retirement, Harmanpreet was elevated to the full-time ODI leadership role in 2022. She subsequently became India’s all-format captain in 2023.
During her tenure, Harmanpreet became one of India’s longest-serving women’s team captains and led the side across 211 international matches.
Her record includes 30 wins in 51 ODIs and 92 victories in 155 T20Is. The latter is the highest number of T20I wins by an Indian captain. She also led India in five Test matches, with the team losing just one of them.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s major achievements
The captaincy announcement comes shortly after India won the gold medal in women’s cricket at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. It was India’s second consecutive Asian Games gold in the sport.
A fortnight earlier, India had also won the Asia Cup for a record eighth time under Harmanpreet’s leadership.
However, one of her biggest achievements as captain came when India secured their maiden ODI World Cup title on home soil last November.
Harmanpreet said she was leaving the captaincy with a “heart full of emotions” but also with peace.
Who could replace Harmanpreet Kaur?
The BCCI has not yet officially announced Harmanpreet Kaur’s successor as the full-time captain across formats.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is considered a strong possibility to take over the leadership responsibilities. Mandhana was among those present at the BCCI review meeting in Guwahati alongside BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and head coach Amol Muzumdar.
The decision on India’s next full-time captain is expected to follow the review of the team’s recent performances and future plans.
FAQs
Why did Harmanpreet Kaur step down as captain?
Harmanpreet Kaur said her duty as captain was done and that she was ready to return to playing cricket for the love of the game.
How many matches did Harmanpreet Kaur captain India?
Harmanpreet Kaur led India in 211 international matches across formats.
Who could replace Harmanpreet Kaur?
Smriti Mandhana is considered a strong possibility to succeed Harmanpreet Kaur, although the BCCI has not yet officially named the next captain.
What were Harmanpreet Kaur’s major achievements as captain?
Harmanpreet led India to the Asian Games gold medal, an eighth Asia Cup title and the team’s maiden ODI World Cup title on home soil.