Harmanpreet Kaur’s decade-long tenure as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team has come to an end. The 37-year-old has stepped down as India’s captain across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, but she will continue to represent the national team as a player. The decision marks the end of one of the most significant leadership eras in Indian women’s cricket. The leadership change comes shortly after Harmanpreet guided India to a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal, adding another major achievement to a captaincy career that also included India’s historic 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup triumph..
Harmanpreet Kaur: Captaincy Ends, Playing Career Continues
Harmanpreet made it clear that stepping down as captain does not mean stepping away from international cricket. In her statement announcing the decision, she said she was ready to return to playing for the love of the game and would continue contributing to Indian cricket as a player. The BCCI has also confirmed that Harmanpreet will remain part of the Indian team. The board praised her leadership and said her experience and presence would continue to be valuable to the side. Her decision therefore represents a change in responsibility rather than an international retirement..
A Captaincy Journey That Began in 2016
Harmanpreet's regular leadership journey began in 2016, when she became India's T20I captain. After Mithali Raj retired from international cricket, Harmanpreet took charge of the ODI and Test teams in 2022, eventually becoming India's all-format captain. Over the years, she led India through several major international tournaments and helped establish the team as a consistent contender on the global stage. She captained India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is. Her tenure also coincided with a period of major growth for women's cricket in India, both on the field and in terms of public attention..
The 2025 World Cup Was the Defining Moment
The biggest achievement of Harmanpreet's captaincy came in 2025. Under her leadership, India won their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup, defeating South Africa in the final. It was the first senior women's World Cup title in India's history and became the defining achievement of Harmanpreet's time as captain. The victory was particularly significant because Harmanpreet had been part of India's long journey toward the top of women's cricket, including campaigns where the team came close but fell short. Her captaincy also included India's runs to the final of the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup and semifinal appearances in other major tournaments..
From Historic Player to World Cup-Winning Captain
Even before becoming captain, Harmanpreet had established herself as one of India's most recognised women's cricketers. Her unbeaten 171 against Australia in the 2017 Women's World Cup semifinal remains one of the most memorable innings in women's international cricket.
That performance helped put Harmanpreet firmly on the global cricket map and became an important moment in the growth of India's women's team. Years later, she would go on to lead India to the country's first Women's ODI World Cup title..
Smriti Mandhana Takes Over
The transition has already been confirmed, with Smriti Mandhana appointed India's new captain across all formats. Mandhana has been one of the most important batters in Indian women's cricket over the past decade and had previously served as Harmanpreet's deputy. She also has leadership experience, having captained India in T20Is and ODIs and led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two Women's Premier League titles. Her appointment signals the beginning of a new phase for Indian women's cricket. Mandhana will now be responsible for leading the team across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, while Harmanpreet remains available as a senior player..
Why the Change Matters
The change in leadership comes at an important point for the Indian team. India recently secured another Asian Games gold medal, but the team has also faced setbacks in T20 cricket, including group-stage exits from the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups. Reports have indicated that selectors were looking toward the next World Cup cycle while considering the leadership transition. Harmanpreet's own statement, however, focused on her decision to hand over responsibility and allow the team to move forward under new leadership. The BCCI similarly described the move as a transition to a new chapter while acknowledging Harmanpreet's contribution to the team's development..
What Happens to Harmanpreet Kaur Now?
For Indian cricket fans, the most important part of the announcement is that Harmanpreet is not retiring from international cricket. She will continue playing for India and could bring her experience to a team entering a new leadership phase. Her role could also be particularly valuable for younger players, with the BCCI highlighting her experience and ability to support the new leadership and emerging members of the squad. After spending years carrying the responsibility of captaincy, Harmanpreet will now have the opportunity to focus more directly on her role as a player..Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy ends after one of the most decorated periods in Indian women's cricket. She leaves the leadership role having captained India to its first Women's ODI World Cup title, two Asian Games gold medals and several other major tournament milestones. But her India journey is not over. With Smriti Mandhana taking over as captain and Harmanpreet continuing as a player, Indian women's cricket enters a new phase — one that combines a fresh leadership approach with the experience of a World Cup-winning captain still on the field. For Harmanpreet, the captaincy may have ended, but her journey in the India jersey continues..