Harmanpreet Kaur Has Stepped Down as the Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team Across All Three Formats—Test, ODI and T20I

Indian women’s cricket has entered a new chapter, and Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I.

Harmanpreet made this announcement in a very emotional post on her official Instagram account on October 6, 2026. It wasn't a simple decision to leave the captaincy, she said, but she had done her duty and the team is in a good shape for the future.

Her announcement brings an end to a long leadership journey in Indian women's cricket. But Harmanpreet has made it clear that she is not calling it a day on her International career. She would just like to play it because she loves to play it.

Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Captain

Harmanpreet Kaur said that she has decided to leave the captaincy of the Indian women's team in all formats.

In her Instagram post she shared her thoughts on leading the team and the sacrifices of the role.

She said she had given her “blood, sweat, time” to the team and, at times, had kept her own individual ambitions aside because she believed that the team should come first.

Harmanpreet also revealed that many decisions were tough as the captain and were not received by everyone. But she did so with the thought of improving the team and providing other guys chances to develop.

What Did Harmanpreet Kaur Say?

Harmanpreet expressed her emotional feelings while at the helm of the Indian team, yet adding a note of tranquility, stating that they possess talent, character and future in them.

She also thanked her teammates, coaches, support staff, management, BCCI, family members and fans for their support in her journey as a leader.

Her message ended with a strong line:

“Captaincy ends. The journey continues.”

She also said she is now ready to play again simply for the love of the game.

Harmanpreet Kaur's Captaincy: Key Points

Harmanpreet Kaur's Major Career Achievements

Harmanpreet has achieved several major milestones during her international career.

1. India's 2025 Women's World Cup Triumph

One of the biggest achievements of her leadership came in 2025, when India won its first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title.

India defeated South Africa in the final to become world champions, with Harmanpreet leading the side. 

2. First Indian Woman to Score a T20I Century

Harmanpreet was the first Indian woman to reach the 100-run milestone in Women's T20I cricket with her 103-run score against New Zealand in 2018.

3. Historic 171 Against Australia

Harmanpreet had one of the most legendary innings in Indian women's cricket during the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup.

She hit 171 runs from 115 deliveries, unbeaten, in the semi-final match against Australia.

4. Most-Capped Woman International Cricketer

Harmanpreet broke the international cricket record for the most caps as a woman in Feb 26.

She made her 356th international appearance, past New Zealand's Suzie Bates. In fact, she has a six-match international Test record, 161 ODIs and 189 T20Is to her credit at that time.

5. First Player to Reach 200 Women's T20Is

In June 2026, Harmanpreet became the first cricketer to play 200 women's T20I matches.

6. Asian Games Gold Medalists & Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist

Harmanpreet Kaur won gold medals in women's cricket at the 2022 Asian Games (held in 2023) and the 2026 Asian Games, leading the Indian women's cricket team to consecutive titles.

Harmanpreet Kaur won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as captain of the Indian women's cricket team.

7. Multiple Asia Cup Title

Harmanpreet Kaur has won 4 Women's Asia Cup titles as captain of the Indian women's cricket team in the following years:

1. 2012 (stand-in/captain in the T20I final against Pakistan)
2. 2016
3. 2022
4. 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur's International Career

Harmanpreet made her international debut in 2009. She later became an important all-rounder for India and played across all three formats.

According to the ICC, her international career has included Tests, ODIs and T20Is, along with several major records and milestones. 

Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball made her an important player for India for many years.

What Happens to India's Captaincy Now?

Harmanpreet's selection will put the Indian women's team in need of new arrangements in the formats.

The selection of the next captain/team will be done by the BCCI and the selection authorities concerned. When Harmanpreet was announced, there was no official confirmation of a new full-time captain in the sources available for this report.

The decision follows a review meeting of the BCCI in Guwahati which featured BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, head coach Amol Muzumdar and Harmanpreet Kaur.

Is Harmanpreet Kaur Retiring From Cricket?

No.

Harmanpreet has stepped down from the captaincy, not from international cricket.

Her Instagram message clearly indicates that she wants to continue playing. She said that she is ready to return to playing for the love of the game.

This means fans can still expect to see Harmanpreet Kaur representing India as a player.

Harmanpreet Kaur Captaincy News: Quick Facts