Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women's Captain Across All Formats
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the India women's cricket team across all three formats. The 37-year-old announced her decision on October 6, 2026 through an emotional Instagram post. She has made it clear that she will keep playing for India, only without the captain's armband.
Kaur said the decision was not easy. She wrote that she had given the team everything, including her time, her energy and, many times, a part of her own game and personal ambitions. She admitted that some of her calls as captain were not always understood, but said every one of them was meant to make the team better and give other players room to grow. She ended the post with the line "Captaincy ends. The journey continues."
She also said she is leaving the role with peace of mind. In her view, the team has talent, character and a bright future. Kaur thanked her teammates, coaches, support staff, the BCCI, her family and the fans who stood by her through the highs and lows.
Her last assignment as captain ended on a high. Kaur led India to gold at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, with Smriti Mandhana as her vice-captain. The biggest moment of her captaincy came in 2025, when she guided India to their first-ever ICC Women's ODI World Cup title. She is reported to have led the side in 211 matches across formats.
The year has not been smooth for the team, though. India faced some tough results in the shorter formats, and the BCCI held a review of the women's side in Guwahati last month. Kaur's exit now opens up one of the biggest questions in Indian women's cricket.
No successor has been named yet. Mandhana, who has been the vice-captain for several years, is seen as the leading candidate. Reports suggest Kaur, Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar will meet BCCI officials to plan the transition.
Kaur made her ODI debut against Pakistan on March 7, 2009, and played her first T20I against England on June 11, 2009. That is more than 17 years in international cricket. Even after stepping aside as captain, she remains a key batter and one of the most recognisable faces of the Indian women's game.