Harmanpreet Kaur resigns as captain of India’s women’s cricket team

Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of India’s women’s cricket team across all formats, concluding a tenure defined by a historic World Cup triumph on home soil.

The 37-year-old announced her decision Tuesday via social media, arriving two weeks after guiding India to defend its Asian Games gold medal. Under her leadership, the side claimed its first ICC Women’s World Cup title in November last year and secured the Women’s Asia Cup in September.

Kaur began her international career in 2009 and took over T20 captaincy in 2016 before adding ODI and Test duties in 2022. She holds the record for most international matches captained by an Indian player, leading the side in five Tests, 51 ODIs, and 155 T20Is.

Opening batter Smriti Mandhana, who has served as deputy since 2022, is expected to take the helm following a recent meeting between Kaur and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

Reflecting on her departure, Kaur wrote, “Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team across all formats,” noting that the choice carried years of memories and sacrifices. She added that she feels she has fulfilled her responsibilities and remains committed to the sport. “Now, I’m ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues.”