Smriti Mandhana Hails Harmanpreet Kaur's Decade of Leadership
Smriti Mandhana praises Harmanpreet Kaur as the legendary leader steps down from Indian women's cricket captaincy across all formats.
In a poignant passing of the torch, India's newly appointed captain Smriti Mandhana has paid a heartfelt tribute to Harmanpreet Kaur following the conclusion of her historic captaincy stint. As Kaur steps down from leading the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats, Mandhana expressed her deep admiration for the veteran leader who has guided the nation for ten years.
A Legacy of Glory and Sacrifice
Harmanpreet Kaur announced her decision to relinquish the captaincy via an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday. Her tenure was marked by unprecedented success, most notably leading India to their maiden ODI World Cup title in 2025 and securing a gold medal at the Asian Games 2026.
Reflecting on her journey, Kaur revealed the immense personal toll the role often demanded. She shared that her commitment to the team frequently came at the expense of her own individual statistics 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. 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 noted that while some of her decisions were difficult or misunderstood, they were always driven by a singular intention: to strengthen the team and provide opportunities for her teammates to reach their full potential.
Smriti Mandhana Takes the Helm
Smriti Mandhana, the prolific opener and two-time WPL winner with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is set to begin her new chapter as the all-format skipper during the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, starting October 16. Mandhana, who has played under Kaur for a decade, emphasized the continuity of excellence she hopes to maintain.
Posting on social media, Mandhana wrote:
"It has been a pleasure playing with you for so many years. Ten years of your leadership have been fantastic, and together, we will strive to bring many more laurels for our nation."
The End of an Era
Despite the emotional weight of her departure, Kaur expressed a sense of profound peace. She highlighted that she has experienced the full spectrum of the sport—from the heartbreak of criticism and doubt to the euphoric highs of international victories.
Kaur concluded her message by stating that while her time as captain ends, her dedication to the sport remains unchanged. She expressed immense confidence in the current squad, describing them as a team filled with talent, character, and a bright future. She thanked the BCCI, her coaches, teammates, and the fans for their unwavering support throughout her transformative leadership era.