Harmanpreet Kaur has relinquished her position as captain of India’s women’s cricket team, concluding a significant tenure in which she established herself as the squad’s most influential leader. Star opener Smriti Mandhana, who served as deputy captain, has been promoted to lead the team across all three formats. The transition was formalized during a review meeting attended by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, coach Amol Muzumdar, Harmanpreet, and Mandhana.
Reports indicate the transition was not entirely straightforward. Harmanpreet, who is 37 years old, had indicated willingness to step down from the T20 captaincy immediately but expressed interest in continuing to lead the side in One-Day Internationals and Tests to guide younger players. The BCCI, however, prioritized appointing a younger captain and selected the 30-year-old Mandhana for all formats. The decision reflects a similar transition in men’s cricket, where Suryakumar Yadav was replaced as T20 captain by Shreyas Iyer following India’s World Cup victory earlier this year.
Questions about Harmanpreet’s future as captain had intensified following India’s underwhelming performance at the T20 World Cup in England a few months prior. Her personal batting form had declined, raising concerns within the BCCI about whether adjustments were necessary to address emerging competitive pressures in the rapidly evolving women’s game. Opinion among former players and captains remained divided, with some arguing she had fulfilled her duties while others believed her experience was indispensable.
Harmanpreet announced her decision through an emotional Instagram post, stating she had fulfilled her responsibilities and was ready to pursue the sport based on her passion for the game. Her career spans more than two decades, beginning with her India debut in 2009 and progressing to become one of women’s cricket’s most recognizable figures. Notable achievements include a celebrated century against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final and leadership during India’s 2025 ODI World Cup victory, regarded as a major milestone in Indian women’s cricket history.
Harmanpreet has indicated her intention to continue playing for India, leaving the BCCI to determine her role moving forward. Unlike in the men’s game, where comparable depth of talent exists, the women’s cricket pipeline remains less developed, potentially complicating decisions about her selection status despite her recent form fluctuations.
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