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Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats, bringing an end to a significant chapter in her leadership career. The veteran batter leaves behind a memorable legacy that includes leading India to major milestones, most notably their historic ODI World Cup triumph and Asian Games gold medal.
Harmanpreet confirmed her decision through a lengthy post on Instagram, ending her long stint at the helm of the national side. Her departure as captain could allow her to concentrate more on her batting while giving India the opportunity to begin a new leadership era, with long-time vice-captain Smriti Mandhana among the potential figures to guide the team forward.
Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women’s Team Captain Across All Formats
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats, bringing an end to her long stint at the helm. The decision was announced on Tuesday, October 6, shortly after she helped India secure the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games. Despite relinquishing the leadership role, Harmanpreet made it clear that she intends to continue playing for the national side.
The veteran all-rounder shared the news through a lengthy Instagram post, describing the decision as one of the toughest calls of her career. “Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team across all formats. 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,” she wrote. Harmanpreet also reflected on the personal sacrifices that came with leading the team, saying she had often put her individual ambitions and development aside for the sake of the side.
Harmanpreet first took over as India’s captain in 2016, initially handling the responsibility on an interim basis before becoming a permanent leader. Over the years, she guided the team through major highs and difficult periods, including India’s historic ODI World Cup triumph and the Asian Games gold. Looking back on her tenure, she acknowledged the criticism and setbacks alongside the victories. “I have seen it all. I have seen the lowest moments, the heartbreak, the criticism, the doubts and the days when nothing seemed to go our way,” Harmanpreet wrote.
BCCI Review Meeting Preceded Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captaincy Exit as India Prepare for New Era
Her future as captain had been under discussion following India’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, when the team failed to reach the knockout stage in England. However, the side responded strongly by winning consecutive titles at the Women’s Asia Cup in the UAE and the Asian Games in Japan. Those victories provided a positive finish to Harmanpreet’s leadership era, even as questions over the team’s next captain continued to grow.
The BCCI had also held a review meeting in Guwahati on Monday involving Harmanpreet, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia presided over the meeting, with Harmanpreet’s future as captain and Muzumdar’s position among the issues discussed. Former India captain Diana Edulji welcomed Harmanpreet’s decision, saying it would give the next captain enough time to build the team. “It is a good decision she has taken in the interest of the future of women’s cricket, by giving enough time to the new captain and the team to gel under her captaincy,” Edulji told Cricbuzz.
Harmanpreet, meanwhile, believes the Indian team is ready to enter its next phase. “I leave the captaincy today with a heart full of emotions, but also with PEACE,” she wrote, adding that she feels the team is in a good place with talent, character and belief. She signed off with a clear message about her playing future: “Blood. Sweat. Sacrifice. Pride. I gave it all. Now, I’m ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues.”