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A Defining Chapter in Indian Cricket Concludes
India’s World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur has officially stepped down from her leadership role across all three international formats—Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The 37-year-old batter leaves the captaincy after establishing an indelible legacy at the helm of the national side, though she plans to continue playing as a senior batter.
Harmanpreet's crowning achievement came when she led India to their first-ever global women’s title at the 2025 50-over World Cup on home soil, securing the championship with a victory over South Africa in the final. With that triumph, she became only the third Indian captain in cricket history—alongside men’s World Cup winners Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni—to lift the coveted 50-over World Cup trophy.
Milestones and Leadership Record
Harmanpreet first took over the T20I captaincy in 2016, eventually assuming leadership across all formats following the retirement of Mithali Raj in 2022. Over the course of her tenure, she captained India in five Tests, 51 ODIs, and 155 T20Is.
Her final Test match in charge was a historic 270-run victory over England at Lord's in July, marking the venue's inaugural women's Test. Her final assignment as captain concluded with a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal, where India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final.
'I Have Given Everything to This Team'
Reflecting on her departure, Harmanpreet shared an emotional statement addressing the dedication and personal sacrifices required to lead the national team:
"This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have given everything I had to this team and to Indian women's cricket - my blood, my sweat, my time, and many times, a part of my own game and personal ambitions."
She emphasized that she leaves the role with the squad in a position of strength, ready for a new era: "I leave the captaincy with a heart full of emotions but also with peace. Because I genuinely believe my team is in a good place... 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."
Succession and Upcoming Schedule
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is widely expected to succeed Harmanpreet as India's next all-format captain. The transition comes ahead of a busy international calendar.
India are scheduled to host Zimbabwe for three T20Is and three ODIs beginning on October 16, followed by an away tour to South Africa in December.
