Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women’s Captain Across Formats

Harmanpreet Kaur has decided to step down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats. The 37-year-old veteran, who led India to titles in the Asia Cup and Asian Games, will continue playing international cricket despite relinquishing the captaincy.

Harmanpreet has led India at different stages since 2012 and became the team’s full-time captain across all three formats in 2022. After a lengthy stint at the helm, she has now decided to bring her leadership chapter to an end.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a review meeting with the Indian women’s team in Guwahati on Monday. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar were also present at the meeting.

Harmanpreet’s leadership had been under discussion for some time, and she announced her decision to step down after the review meeting.

In a message shared on social media, Harmanpreet described the decision as a difficult one. She said that during her tenure as captain, she often put aside her individual performance, personal development and goals to prioritise the needs of the team.

She also acknowledged that the role required her to make several difficult decisions. According to Harmanpreet, not everyone may have viewed or understood those decisions in the same way, but the team’s growth and future were at the centre of every decision she made.

Although she is stepping down as captain, Harmanpreet will remain available for India as a player. Her experience will therefore continue to be part of the national team’s setup even after the end of her leadership tenure.