Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India Women’s captain across formats: ‘I feel I have done my duty’

Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s most successful women’s cricket captain, has stepped down from the captaincy role across all formats. She said relinquishing the India women’s captaincy was an emotional and difficult decision, but she made it with peace and satisfaction.

Under Harmanpreet’s leadership, India Women have achieved immense success, having won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Harmanpreet also captained India to their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title and signed off from leadership on a high, guiding the team to another Asian Games gold medal at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Harmanpreet Kaur steps down from captaincy

Widely regarded as India’s most successful women’s cricket captain, Harmanpreet reflected on the sacrifices, challenges and unforgettable moments that shaped her leadership journey. She also expressed pride in handing over a team brimming with talent, belief and character.

“I leave the captaincy today with a heart full of emotions, but also with PEACE. Because I genuinely believe my team is in a good place. A team with talent, character, belief and a future that I am incredibly excited to watch and be a part of.

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“I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had. I carried the responsibility with pride, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of leading Indian women’s cricket. Now, it is time for me to turn the page,” Harmanpreet wrote on Instagram.

Harmanpreet to continue playing for Team India

While Harmanpreet’s era of leadership has come to an end, her commitment towards Indian cricket remains unchanged and is now looking forward to playing the game just for the love of it.

India Women will have a new leadership unit when they face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20 international series, starting Friday, October 16, 2026.