Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats. She ended her long leadership stint after serving as one of India’s longest-running women’s captains. Harmanpreet said she felt the team was in a good position and believed she had completed her responsibility. She now wants to focus on playing cricket without the added pressure of captaincy. Her decision brings an important chapter of Indian women’s cricket to a close.
Also Read : BJP Announces 8 Rajya Sabha Candidates, Hardeep Puri Dropped
Harmanpreet’s Decade-Long Leadership Journey
Harmanpreet first led India in a T20 match against Pakistan in 2012 during the Asia Cup in Guangzhou. She officially became the T20 captain in 2016 and later took charge of the ODI team in 2022. She assumed the all-format captaincy in 2023 following her growing role in the national team. Over the years, she guided India through several major international campaigns. Her leadership became a defining part of the team’s recent cricketing journey.
Harmanpreet announced her decision on Tuesday through a statement shared on Instagram. She described the decision as difficult and said it carried years of memories, emotions and sacrifices. Her announcement came after a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar attended the meeting. The officials reviewed the team’s performance and direction over the past few months.
Also Read : Ambedkar’s Vision: No Voter Left Out of India’s First Electoral Roll
Decision Follows BCCI Review Meeting
Harmanpreet said she could now return to playing the game purely for her love of cricket. She thanked the journey for the experiences and moments that will remain with her throughout her life. Her decision marks the end of nearly a decade of leadership in different formats. During this period, she became one of the most recognisable leaders in Indian women’s cricket. The team will now move forward under new leadership across the formats.
Harmanpreet’s exit from the captaincy closes a significant era for Indian women’s cricket. She took responsibility at different stages and gradually became the team’s all-format leader. Her leadership journey began in T20 cricket before expanding to ODI and eventually all three formats. With the team entering a new phase, the focus will now shift toward building the next leadership group. Harmanpreet, meanwhile, will continue her career as a player.
Also Read : BJP Announces 8 Rajya Sabha Candidates, Hardeep Puri Dropped