‘I have done my duty’: Harmanpreet Kaur steps down after 10 years as India captain

India women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down from the leadership role in all three international formats, bringing an end to a decade-long era. The 37-year-old announced her decision on Tuesday through an emotional Instagram post, saying she was now “ready to play for the love of the game again.”

“Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team across all formats,” Harmanpreet wrote. “This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

The veteran batter said she had given everything to Indian women’s cricket, often keeping individual ambitions aside for the team’s growth. She added that her captaincy journey included difficult and triumphant moments, but she leaves the role with “peace, pride” and confidence that the side is in a strong position.

MUST READ: Harmanpreet Kaur does what no T20 captain has done before, leaves Dhoni behind

A Historic Leadership Era

Harmanpreet’s most significant achievement came in 2025, when she led India to their maiden senior Women’s ODI World Cup title. She remains the only Indian captain to have won the Women’s World Cup.

Her tenure also included a second successive Asian Games gold medal in 2026. She led India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20 Internationals.

Harmanpreet had been India’s full-time T20I captain since 2018 and took over the ODI captaincy in 2022 after Mithali Raj.

Legacy Beyond Trophies

Harmanpreet leaves behind a leadership legacy defined by India’s first World Cup triumph, greater consistency in white-ball cricket and the emergence of a deeper talent pool. Her decision marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Indian women’s team, with the focus now shifting to who will take charge ahead of the next international cycle.

DON'T MISS: 'A splendid triumph for Indian cricket': PM Modi, others congratulate Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India

What Happens Next?

Harmanpreet has confirmed that she will continue to be available for India as a player in all formats. “Captaincy ends. Now, I’m ready to play for the love of the game again,” she said.

Her announcement followed a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati, attended by Harmanpreet, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar, PTI reported. Reports suggest Mandhana is likely to succeed her as captain, though the board is yet to make an official announcement.