Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India captain from all formats
Harmanpreet Kaur on Tuesday announced that she will be stepping down as India captain from all three formats.
In a post on Instagram, Harmanpreet said it was not an easy decision but maintained she will continue to play for the team.
“I have given everything I had to this team and to Indian women’s cricket — my blood, my sweat, my time, and many times, a part of my own game and personal ambitions. There were moments when I had to put my individual performance, my own growth, and what I wanted for myself aside, because I believed the team had to come first. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” she said.
Harmanpreet walks away from the role as India’s most successful captain. The 37-year-old led India to four Women’s Asia Cup titles (2012, 2016, 2022, and 2026) and its maiden ODI World Cup title in 2025.
In her last game as captain, she led India to the Asian Games 2026 gold medal.
In the post, Harmanpreet also said her focus was always on making the team better, even if it sometimes came at a personal cost.
“As a captain, I have had to make difficult decisions. Decisions that were not always understood, not always easy, and sometimes came at a personal cost. But every decision I made was with one intention – to make this TEAM better and to give other players the opportunity to grow, believe in themselves and become the best versions of themselves,” she said.
Harmanpreet added that she gave everything for her team and feels that she fulfilled her duty.
“I leave the captaincy today with a heart full of emotions, but also with PEACE.
“Because I genuinely believe my team is in a good place. A team with talent, character, belief and a future that I am incredibly excited to watch and be a part of.
“I gave this team everything I had. I carried the responsibility with pride, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of leading Indian women’s cricket.
“Now, it is time for me to turn the page.
Captaincy may end today, but my love for Indian cricket never will.”
Harmanpreet also thanked her teammates and the BCCI for all their support and said she was looking forward to the next chapter in her storied career.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, support staff, management, BCCI, family member and every single fan who stood by me through the highs and lows. Blood. Sweat. Sarifice. Pride. I gave it all. Now, I’m ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues.”
Published on Oct 06, 2026
