Key facts
- Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the India women's cricket team across all formats.
- Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as the new captain.
- Kaur's captaincy had faced scrutiny following India's performance at the T20 World Cup.
- She led India to a World Cup win in 2025 and victories in the Asia Cup and Asian Games.
- Kaur made her India debut in 2009 and has been an integral part of the national side since.
Harmanpreet Kaur has relinquished the captaincy of the India women's cricket team across all formats, ending an era in which she became the team's most influential leader and one of the most recognisable figures in the sport. Star opener Smriti Mandhana, her long-time deputy, has been appointed captain across all formats.
The transition was ratified at a review meeting attended by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia, coach Amol Muzumdar, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana. Reports suggest Kaur was willing to relinquish the T20 captaincy immediately but wanted to continue leading in ODIs and Tests to aid younger players' development. However, the BCCI opted for a younger leader in the 30-year-old Mandhana.
Kaur's future as captain had been debated following India's performance at the T20 World Cup and her own dip in form. Approaching her 38th birthday, scrutiny intensified. Opinion among former players was divided, with Diana Edulji believing it was time for a change and Anjum Chopra arguing for Kaur's continued experience.
Sensing the BCCI's inclination towards change, Kaur opted to step down. She posted an emotional message on Instagram stating, "I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had. Now, it is time for me to turn the page... Blood. Sweat. Sacrifice. Pride. I gave it all. Now, I'm ready to play for the love of the game again."
Kaur's intention to continue playing leaves the BCCI with a decision regarding her future role, especially given the less deep talent pipeline in women's cricket compared to the men's game. She made her India debut in 2009 and her career has been marked by significant achievements, including a defining century in the 2017 World Cup semi-final and leading India to a World Cup victory in 2025.