In brief
Harmanpreet Kaur, whose 2017 semi‑final century ignited a boom for Indian women’s cricket, has retired from the captaincy after an era of world‑cup glory. The BCCI‑eraled decision follows a string of recent triumphs, including the 2025 women’s World Cup, Asia Cup and Asian Games wins, and a tepid T20 World Cup showing. While Kaur plans to continue playing, her departure opens a fresh chapter for the team’s future leadership. The move mirrors the recent change in the men’s T20 side and has sparked debate over the right balance of experience and youth. Kaur’s legacy, punctuated by record highs and fearless on‑field strategy, will now be carried forward by the country’s next batting star, Smriti Mandhana.
After more than a decade at the helm, the all‑rounder and iconically fearless batter Harmanpreet Kaur announced she would give up the captaincy, paving the way for rising star Smriti Mandhana to take the reins across all formats.
The decision follows a string of triumphs – India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup win, the Asia Cup and the Asian Games – and comes after a subdued performance at the recent T20 World Cup, sparking debate over leadership.
Kaur’s own form had dipped in the run‑up, and though she was ready to continue when the BCCI asked her to relinquish the T20 job, the board chose the 30‑year‑old Accrington star, reflecting a shift toward a younger core.
During the review meeting – attended by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, coach Amol Muzumdar and Kaur herself – the leadership change was ratified. Kaur, who has led India to some of its greatest successes, chose to step down after 37 years of service.
In an emotional Instagram post she wrote: I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had. Now, it is time for me to turn the page… Captaincy ends, the journey continues.
Kaur’s stepping down comes as the BCCI also sets out to decide her future as a player, a matter still undecided as she intends to continue playing but no longer leads.
Many former players, such as Diana Edulji and Anjum Chopra, weighed in on the move. Edulji praised her contributions and called for a younger captain, whereas Chopra defended the value of Kaur’s experience.
With her departure, the team will now rely on Mandhana’s aggressive approach, which had helped India topple Australia in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi‑final and then defeat South Africa in the final.
The legacy of Harmanpreet Kaur – starting with her 2017 semi‑final century that sparked a surge in interest in women’s cricket and culminating in a world‑cup win – remains inspirational, as the next generation takes up the mantle.
