New Delhi:Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats, bringing an end to her long stint as the national team’s leader.
The 37-year-old announced her decision following a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati, where the team’s recent performances and future roadmap were discussed. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia chaired the meeting, which was attended by Harmanpreet, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar.
Harmanpreet announced the decision through a social media post, describing it as difficult but saying she believed the team was in a strong position for the future.
“I step down as captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team across all formats,” she said in her post, while reflecting on years of memories, sacrifices and responsibility.
Harmanpreet’s captaincy journey ends
Harmanpreet first took on the India captaincy in 2016, having previously led the side on a temporary basis. Over the years, she became one of the most prominent leaders in Indian women’s cricket.
Her tenure included several significant milestones for the national team. India secured an ODI World Cup title and an Asian Games gold medal under her leadership, achievements that form an important part of her captaincy legacy.
Her leadership period also coincided with a major expansion of interest and investment in women’s cricket in India, with the national team featuring prominently in global competitions and the Women’s Premier League providing another important platform for players.
Pressure had grown around captaincy
The decision comes after a period in which Harmanpreet’s leadership had faced increasing scrutiny.
Her captaincy and batting performances had been the subject of debate, particularly following India’s failure to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals earlier in 2026.
Former cricketers and analysts had increasingly discussed the possibility of handing over the leadership role to vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Former India captain Diana Edulji was among those who had advocated Mandhana’s elevation.
However, Harmanpreet’s own statement indicated that her decision was based on her belief that it was the right time to move on from the leadership responsibility.
She said the decisions she made as captain were aimed at improving the team and giving other players opportunities to develop and gain confidence.
Smriti Mandhana expected to take over
With Harmanpreet stepping down, Smriti Mandhana is expected to become the next India captain, although the formal appointment remains with the BCCI.
Mandhana has served as Harmanpreet’s vice-captain and has increasingly been viewed as a natural successor to the veteran all-rounder.
A leadership transition would give the Indian team a new direction as it prepares for upcoming international assignments and major global tournaments.
The change could also allow Harmanpreet to concentrate more fully on her role as a player, particularly her batting.
Harmanpreet to continue playing
Importantly, Harmanpreet’s decision does not mark her retirement from international cricket.
She made it clear that she intends to continue playing for India after relinquishing the captaincy.
In her statement, Harmanpreet said that while her captaincy had ended, her journey with Indian cricket would continue. She expressed her desire to return to the game without the additional responsibility and scrutiny that comes with leading the national side.
The move could potentially allow her to focus on her own performance and contribute to the team as a senior player.
A new chapter for Indian women’s cricket
Harmanpreet’s departure from the leadership role marks the beginning of a new phase for Indian women’s cricket.
The team now faces the challenge of maintaining the progress achieved during her tenure while developing a fresh leadership structure.
The BCCI review meeting in Guwahati provided the backdrop for the transition, with the board, coaching staff and senior players assessing the team’s recent performances and future plans.
For Harmanpreet, the decision represents the end of a chapter that began a decade ago. She leaves the captaincy having led India through major victories as well as difficult periods, while remaining part of the playing group.
Her decision also creates an opportunity for a new leader to take charge and shape the next phase of the Indian women’s team.
With Mandhana widely expected to inherit the captaincy, attention will now turn to the BCCI’s formal decision and how the team adapts to the leadership change.