Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India captain—but her playing journey continues after World Cup and Asian Games glory
Harmanpreet Kaur has left India's captaincy across formats but will continue playing. Revisit her leadership dates, 2025 World Cup title, Asian Games gold and T20I record.
- Oct 6, 2026,
- Updated Oct 6, 2026 3:48 PM IST
- 1/5
She is leaving the role, not retiring from playing
Harmanpreet Kaur announced on October 6 that she was stepping down as India's captain across formats. The ICC confirms that she will continue as a player. Describe the decision as a captaincy exit, rather than retirement from international cricket.
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Her leadership began in different years across formats
The ICC records that she became T20I captain in 2016 and full-time ODI and Test captain in 2022 after Mithali Raj's retirement. Those dates distinguish her longer T20I leadership from her later responsibility across formats.
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Her captaincy included the 2025 World Cup title
Harmanpreet led India to its first Women's ODI World Cup title in November 2025. India defeated South Africa in the final on home soil. That tournament remains a documented milestone of her captaincy, rather than a prediction about future success.
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Her last assignment ended with Asian Games gold
The ICC identifies the recent 2026 Asian Games as her final assignment as captain. India won a second consecutive women's cricket gold, following its title at the 2022 edition. Keep the edition years as recorded by the governing body.
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The ICC records 155 T20Is as captain
Her captaincy record spans five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is, according to the ICC. It identifies her as the first player, male or female, to lead an international side in more than 150 T20Is.