Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India women's captain after 211 games in charge

Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India women's captain

Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the India women's cricket team after 211 games in charge. The move ends a decade-long captaincy era that saw India win its first women's World Cup in 2025, along with Asia Cup and Asian Games titles.

Star opener Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet's long-time deputy, has been appointed captain across all formats following a review meeting attended by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, coach Amol Muzumdar, Harmanpreet and Mandhana.

The BCCI opted for a younger leader despite Harmanpreet reportedly wanting to retain the ODI and Test role. The change mirrors the board's recent decision in the men's game to move on from Suryakumar Yadav as T20 captain after a World Cup win.

Harmanpreet announced her decision on Instagram: "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. Captaincy ends, the journey continues."