'You gave Indian cricket everything': Legends hail Harmanpreet Kaur
Legends Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan hail Harmanpreet Kaur after she steps down as Indian women's cricket captain across all formats.
In a move that marks the end of a transformative era for Indian women's cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur has officially stepped down as the captain of the Indian women's team across all formats. The decision, announced via her Instagram account, follows a historic stint that saw India reach unprecedented heights, including a gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 and a maiden ODI World Cup title in 2025.
Legends Pay Tribute to a Storied Captaincy
The announcement has triggered a wave of tributes from cricketing stalwarts. Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who famously won the nation its first-ever 50-over women's Cricket World Cup, expressed his deep admiration for Kaur's resilience.
"You gave Indian cricket everything as captain, Harman. The responsibility, the pressure, the highs and the lows, you carried it all with pride. Well done for everything you've done for the team and for the nation," Yuvraj Singh wrote on his Instagram story.
Similarly, Shikhar Dhawan lauded her leadership style, emphasizing that her contribution transcends mere titles. "Leadership is never just about the title, it is about the impact you leave behind. @ImHarmanpreet, you have given Indian cricket a lot to be proud of," Dhawan posted on X.
A Journey of Sacrifice and Success
For Kaur, the decision to relinquish the armband was deeply emotional, involving years of memories and significant personal sacrifices. In her farewell statement, she revealed the heavy toll that leadership often takes on an individual player.
Key highlights from Kaur's captaincy era include:
- World Cup Glory: Led India to their first-ever ODI World Cup title in 2025.
- Asian Games Success: Guided the team to a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
- Personal Sacrifice: Often prioritized team requirements over individual performance and personal ambitions.
"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," Kaur shared. She admitted that there were moments when she had to set aside her own growth to ensure the team's interests came first.
Leaving the Team in a Strong Position
Despite the hardships, including heartbreak and criticism, Kaur expressed a sense of peace regarding her departure. She noted that her difficult decisions were always aimed at fostering player growth and strengthening the squad's collective character.
"I have seen it all. I have seen the lowest moments, the heartbreak, the criticism, the doubts and the days when nothing seemed to go our way. And I have also experienced the highest highs," Kaur stated. She concluded by expressing immense excitement for the future of the team, noting that she believes the squad is in a prime position to continue its dominance in international cricket.