Smriti Mandhana appointed India captain across formats

Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, bringing to an end one of the longest and most significant leadership eras in the history of Indian women's cricket. In her farewell statement, Harmanpreet announced her decision to return to playing simply for the love of the game. Her tenure as captain was defined by landmark victories, records, and moments that have shaped the modern era of Indian women's cricket.

1. The most significant achievement of Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy was leading India to its maiden Women's ODI World Cup title in November 2025. After years of coming close to winning the trophy, finishing as runners-up in 2005 and 2017, Harmanpreet led India to victory on home soil, marking a historic triumph for Indian women's cricket. This achievement carried enormous significance for Harmanpreet personally and for the growth and visibility of women's cricket in India.

2. Another notable achievement of Harmanpreet's captaincy was leading India to back-to-back Asian Games gold medals in women's T20 cricket. India won the women's cricket gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and successfully defended its title at the 2026 Asian Games. These consecutive victories highlighted the consistency of the Indian team under Harmanpreet's leadership and added another pair of major medals to her captaincy résumé.

3. Under Harmanpreet's leadership, India secured four Asia Cup titles in women's T20 cricket, from 2012, 2016, 2022, and 2026. This dominance in the continental game solidified her status as the Indian captain with the most Asia Cup triumphs. The Asia Cup has been an essential tournament for women's cricket in the region, providing teams with an opportunity to face familiar opponents while developing younger players.

Harmanpreet's four titles also demonstrate the longevity of her leadership, surpassing Mithali Raj's record for the most Asia Cup titles by an Indian captain.

4. Harmanpreet Kaur's impact was most pronounced in T20I cricket, where she spent a decade as India's captain after taking over in 2016. She became the captain with the most wins in women's T20 internationals, surpassing Meg Lanning's record. Her T20I tenure produced another extraordinary milestone, as she became the first cricketer in history to captain a side in 150 T20I matches.

This remarkable achievement reflected sustained selection, fitness, performance, and the confidence of teammates and coaches throughout her leadership career.

5. Harmanpreet's captaincy marked the end of a long and successful tenure, as she decided to return to playing simply for the love of the game. Her legacy as a leader encompasses landmark victories, records, and moments that have shaped the modern era of Indian women's cricket.