Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women's Cricket Captain

Harmanpreet Kaur has announced her resignation as captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats. She first became the permanent leader in 2016, after previously serving as a temporary captain. Her leadership saw India achieve significant milestones, including historic wins at the ODI World Cup and securing the gold medal at the Asian Games.

Message from Harmanpreet Kaur

"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. I have given everything I had to this team and to Indian women’s cricket — my blood, my sweat, my time, and many times, a part of my own game and personal ambitions. There were moments when I had to put my individual performance, my own growth, and what I wanted for myself aside, because I believed the team had to come first.As a captain, I have had to make difficult decisions. Decisions that were not always understood, not always easy, and sometimes came at a personal cost. But every decision I made was with one intention - to make this TEAM better and to give other players the opportunity to grow, believe in themselves and become the best versions of themselves.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. And I have also experienced the highest highs - the victories, the celebrations, the pride of representing our country, and the moments that made every sacrifice worth it.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. A team with talent, character, belief and a future that I am incredibly excited to watch and be a part of.I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had. I carried the responsibility with pride, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of leading Indian women’s cricket. Now, it is time for me to turn the page.Captaincy may end today, but my love for Indian cricket never will. Thank you to every teammate, coach, support staff, management, BCCI, family members every single fan who stood by me through the highs and lows.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."

Future Plans and Team Outlook

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been reviewing the team's recent performances and has developed a roadmap for the coming years. A key meeting, led by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, included Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and head coach Amol Muzumdar. Although there is no official word on whether Harmanpreet was asked to resign during this meeting, her departure follows shortly after it.

Smriti Mandhana is widely expected to take over as captain for all formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20s.

Despite stepping down as captain, Harmanpreet expressed her desire to continue playing for India, driven by her passion for the sport rather than leadership duties.

Legacy

Harmanpreet Kaur's tenure as captain marked a significant chapter in Indian women's cricket, bringing success and raising the team's profile internationally. Her commitment and leadership will be remembered as a defining period for the squad.