Cricket

Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women’s Cricket Captain

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 6, 2026, 11:57 IST

Long-serving India women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has announced her resignation from the leadership role across all three formats, confirming she will continue her international career as a player.

Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women’s Cricket Captain

Harmanpreet Kaur has officially stepped down as the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. The 37-year-old announced her decision to relinquish leadership duties across all three formats, marking the end of a significant era for the national side. Despite stepping away from the captaincy, Kaur confirmed that she intends to remain available for selection, stating that she is eager to return to the field purely as a player.

In a detailed statement shared via social media, Kaur reflected on the weight of the role she held for several years. She described the decision as an emotional one, noting that the position required significant personal sacrifice and a commitment to prioritizing the team's needs over her own individual ambitions. Throughout her tenure, she navigated both challenging periods of criticism and high-profile successes, emphasizing that every leadership choice was made with the intention of fostering growth within the squad.

A Legacy of Leadership and Success

Kaur’s tenure as a leader was defined by longevity and notable achievements. She first assumed the role of T20I captain in 2016, a position she held for a decade. Her leadership responsibilities expanded in 2022 when she was appointed ODI captain, and by 2023, she had taken on the mantle of all-format leader for the national team.

Under her guidance, the team reached several milestones, most notably securing their maiden ODI World Cup title in November of last year. Additionally, her leadership saw the side achieve consistent success on the international stage, including the defense of their Asian Games gold medal in the T20 format. Kaur expressed confidence in the current state of the team, noting that she leaves the captaincy with a sense of peace, believing the squad is well-positioned for the future.

Continuing the Journey

While the leadership chapter has closed, Kaur made it clear that her international career is far from over. She expressed gratitude toward her teammates, coaching staff, the BCCI, and the fans who supported her throughout her time at the helm. By stepping down, she aims to rediscover the joy of playing the game without the added pressures associated with captaincy.

Kaur concluded her announcement by reaffirming her commitment to Indian cricket, stating that while her time as captain has concluded, her passion for the sport remains unchanged. She looks forward to continuing her journey as a player, supporting the team as it moves into its next phase under new leadership.