Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India women's captain
Harmanpreet Kaur announces her resignation as India women's cricket captain across all formats following historic successes including the 2025 ODI World Cup.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Harmanpreet Kaur has announced her decision to step down as the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats. The veteran leader shared the emotional news via an Instagram post on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for Indian women's cricket.
Kaur’s departure comes on the heels of a monumental period of success, most notably her leadership in guiding India to a gold medal at the Asian Games 2026. Her tenure was defined by historic milestones, including leading the nation to its maiden ODI World Cup title in 2025.
A legacy of sacrifice and triumph
Reflecting on her journey, Kaur revealed that the decision was deeply personal and fraught with emotion. She described her time in leadership as a period of immense sacrifice, where the needs of the team often superseded her own individual ambitions and professional growth.
"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. There were moments when I had to put my individual performance, my own growth, and what I wanted for myself aside, because I believed the team had to come first," Kaur stated.
The captain admitted that her role often required making difficult, sometimes unpopular decisions. She noted that these choices frequently came at a personal cost but were always driven by a singular intention: to strengthen the team and provide opportunities for younger players to find their footing and reach their full potential.
The highs and the lows
Kaur’s captaincy was not without its challenges. She spoke candidly about the spectrum of experiences she faced while leading the side, ranging from the crushing weight of criticism and doubt to the unparalleled joy of international glory.
- The Lows: Heartbreak, intense criticism, and periods where momentum seemed lost.
- The Highs: Major tournament victories, national pride, and the celebration of collective success.
Despite the turbulence, she expressed a sense of profound peace regarding her exit. She believes the Indian squad is currently in a position of strength, possessing the talent and character necessary to dominate the future of the sport.
"The journey continues"
While her time as the leader of the national side has concluded, Kaur made it clear that her involvement with the sport remains unchanged. She expressed her readiness to return to the pure joy of playing the game without the heavy mantle of responsibility.
"Captaincy may end today, but my love for Indian cricket never will," she wrote. "Now, I’m ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues."
In her farewell, Kaur extended her gratitude to her teammates, the coaching staff, the BCCI, her family, and the fans who supported her through the various phases of her career. As she turns the page on her captaincy, the cricketing community looks toward a new era for the Indian women's team, built on the foundation of the incredible legacy she leaves behind.