Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India women's cricket captain

Harmanpreet Kaur has officially announced her decision to step down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats. The veteran leader, who has been a central figure in the national setup for years, confirmed the news on social media, marking the end of a significant era for Indian cricket.

Having served as the full-time T20I captain since 2018 and taking over the ODI leadership in 2022 following the retirement of Mithali Raj, Kaur’s tenure has been defined by both individual milestones and collective success. While she is relinquishing her leadership responsibilities, she has confirmed that she will continue to represent India as a player.

Her leadership also saw India dominate the continental stage, securing four Asia Cup titles in 2012, 2016, 2022, and 2026. Furthermore, she oversaw a period of sustained excellence at the Asian Games, leading the team to gold in Hangzhou in 2022 and successfully defending the title at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in 2026.

Statistically, her longevity at the helm was unmatched, as she became the first cricketer to captain a team in more than 150 T20I matches, surpassing the records held by prominent men’s captains such as MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

In her statement, Kaur reflected on the personal and professional sacrifices made during her time as captain. She expressed a sense of peace regarding her decision, noting that she believes the team is currently in a strong position with a bright future. She concluded by thanking her teammates, the BCCI, and the fans, reaffirming her commitment to continue playing for the love of the game.