New Delhi: Harmanpreet Kaur, who made the Indian women's cricket team the champion of the ODI World Cup 2025 under her captaincy, on Tuesday announced to step down from the captaincy of all formats. 37-year-old Harmanpreet informed about her decision through an emotional post on social media. However, she will be available for the Indian team as a player.
Harmanpreet took this decision after a meeting with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, head coach Amol Majumdar and BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia. It is believed that Smriti Mandhana can become the new captain of the Indian women's team in place of Harmanpreet in all three formats.
'It was not an easy decision', Harmanpreet wrote an emotional post
Harmanpreet Kaur wrote on Instagram, “Today, I am stepping down from the captaincy of the Indian Women's Cricket Team across all formats. This is no easy decision. It holds years of memories, emotions, sacrifices and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
She said she gave her all—blood, sweat and time—to Indian women's cricket and the team. On many occasions, he had to put aside his game, personal ambitions and the goals he set for himself, because the team always remained the priority for him.
Harmanpreet also mentioned the difficult decisions taken during captaincy. He said that many decisions were not easy and some came at a personal cost, but each of his decisions was aimed at improving the team and giving his teammates a chance to grow, believe in themselves and give their best.
'I have seen the worst moments as well as the highest points'
Recalling his captaincy journey, Harmanpreet said that he faced the team's toughest times, heartbreaks, criticism, doubts and failures. Along with this, he also saw memorable moments like victory, celebration and pride of representing the country.
She wrote that today she is leaving the captaincy with a heart full of emotions, but with complete peace.
Harmanpreet said she is confident that the Indian women's team is in a strong position and has the talent, character, belief and potential for a better future. He said that he is very excited to remain a part of this team and move forward.
'I think I did my duty'
Harmanpreet said, “I feel I have done my duty. I gave my all to this team. I took on the responsibility with pride, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of leading Indian women's cricket.”
He further added, “Now, it's time for me to turn the page. Captaincy may end today, but my love for Indian cricket will never end.”
He also thanked his fellow players, coaches, support staff, management, BCCI, family and fans who supported him through good and bad times.
“Blood. Sweat. Cleanliness. Pride. I gave everything. Now, I'm ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy is over. The journey continues,” Harmanpreet wrote at the end of her post.
Became full time captain in 2016
Harmanpreet Kaur temporarily captained the Indian women's team in 2012. After this, in 2016 he was made the full-time captain.
Under his captaincy, the Indian women's team won its first ICC event, the ODI World Cup 2025. Apart from this, under her leadership, India won the Women's T20 Asia Cup, gold medal twice in the Asian Games and silver medal in the Commonwealth Games 2022.
As captain, Harmanpreet led India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20 international matches.
Also read: India-West Indies T20 match in Ekana today, Traffic will change from 3 pm; Know which roads will remain closed