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A Legacy of Major Milestones and Leadership
Kaur’s captaincy journey began in 2016 when she took over the T20I side, eventually assuming full-time leadership in all formats in 2022 following the retirement of Mithali Raj. Her tenure was marked by significant success, most notably the 2025 World Cup final in Navi Mumbai, where India secured a 52-run victory over South Africa. Her tactical influence was also evident during the tournament’s semifinal against Australia, where she scored 89 and anchored a 167-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues to chase down a target of 339.
Beyond the World Cup, Kaur’s leadership saw India secure consecutive gold medals at the Asian Games, including a successful defense of the title in Nagoya, Japan, last month. Her captaincy record also includes a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and an appearance in the 2020 T20 World Cup final. Her individual longevity has been equally notable; she recently became the most-capped international player in women’s cricket, the first to reach 200 T20I appearances, and the first to captain 150 T20Is.
Transitioning to a New Chapter
In her communication to the BCCI, Kaur expressed that the timing was right for a leadership change, allowing the team to evolve under new guidance. She emphasized that her passion for representing India remains undiminished. "Leading India has been one of the greatest honours and privileges of my life," she said, adding that she looks forward to contributing to the team’s future success as a player.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia commended her decision, noting the maturity behind the transition. He highlighted that while the team faced setbacks during her long tenure, her persistence ultimately paved the way for the 2025 World Cup victory. The board expressed satisfaction that her experience will remain accessible to the younger members of the squad as the team enters this new phase.
