Harmanpreet Kaur bids farewell to captaincy as India rockets under new leadership
The India women's cricket team has entered a new era as former captain Harmanpreet Kaur announced her resignation after a decade at the helm. Her leadership, marked by a 2017 World Cup century that sparked a surge in the sport’s popularity, culminated in a historic 2025 World Cup victory.
Kaur’s decision was formalised in a review meeting attended by BCCI officials and team staff. The Board’s preference for younger leadership, coupled with Kaur’s own desire to preserve the England-Windies success narrative, led to the appointment of opener Smriti Mandhana as the new captain across all formats.
The transition has been a point of contention: former players like Diana Edulji urge a fresh start, while veterans such as Anjum Chopra argue that Kaur’s experience is still invaluable. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kaur expressed gratitude for the journey she has given the team, stating, “I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had. Now, it is time for me to turn the page… Captaincy ends, the journey continues.”
Against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding international women's game, the question of continuity versus renewal remains sharp. Kaur’s legacy—spanning explosive innings, visionary tactics, and a global cricketing footprint—sets a high bar for her successor.
As India moves forward, the spotlight turns to Mandhana’s ability to sustain the new momentum and to craft a team culture that balances experience with emerging talent.
