‘I Have Done My Duty…’: Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Captain

World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats, bringing an end to her decade-long leadership stint.

The 37-year-old announced her decision on Tuesday, October 6, saying it was ‘not an easy decision’ but the right time for a change. She confirmed that she will continue to play for India.

‘I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had,’ Harmanpreet said in an emotional statement.

Harmanpreet led India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is, winning the 2025 Women’s World Cup on home soil and the 2026 Asian Games gold medal.

During her captaincy, India also won three Asia Cups and a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is reportedly in line to succeed Harmanpreet as India’s captain across all three formats.