Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur announced on Tuesday that she is stepping down from the leadership role across all three formats, bringing an end to a highly successful chapter in her international career.
The 37-year-old confirmed her decision through an emotional Instagram post, explaining that leaving the captaincy was difficult but that she remains committed to representing India as a player.
Harmanpreet ends her captaincy tenure with an impressive record, having guided India to four Women’s Asia Cup titles in 2012, 2016, 2022 and 2026, alongside the country’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025.
Her final assignment as captain also ended in success, with India securing the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
Harmanpreet Kaur Reflects on Sacrifices During Captaincy
Reflecting on her leadership journey, Harmanpreet acknowledged the personal sacrifices she made while prioritising the team’s success.
“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.
She also defended the difficult decisions taken during her tenure, insisting that developing the team always remained her priority.
“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 added.
Harmanpreet Ready for New Chapter With Indian Team
Despite stepping away from leadership responsibilities, Harmanpreet expressed confidence in the team’s future.
“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.”
Thanking her teammates, coaches, support staff, BCCI, family and supporters, Harmanpreet concluded:
“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.”
