Harmanpreet Kaur steps down from World Cup-winning captaincy.

Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down from the captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team. In an Instagram post on October 6, the 37-year-old cricketer announced that she is relinquishing the captaincy across all three formats. However, she will continue to play for the national team as a player.
The greatest achievement of Harmanpreet's leadership was India's first-ever Women's ODI World Cup victory on home soil last year; it was under her captaincy that India clinched that historic title. Recently, she also led India to a second consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games.

"Not an easy decision"
Announcing her decision to step down, Harmanpreet wrote that it was not an easy choice. It is intertwined with years of accumulated memories, emotions, and sacrifices.
She noted that, as captain, she had to make many difficult decisions—not all of which were understood by everyone, nor were they easy to make. At times, she had to pay a personal price for these decisions. Yet, the goal behind every decision was to elevate the team and provide her teammates with the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves.
Reflecting on her feelings while stepping down, Harmanpreet said that although she is emotional, she also feels a sense of peace. She believes the Indian team is currently in a good place, possessing the necessary talent, character, and confidence.
"I feel I have fulfilled my responsibility. I gave my all to this team."
While her captaincy has ended, her love for cricket has not; she expressed a desire to continue playing the game for the sheer joy of it.

Led in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs, and 155 T20Is
Harmanpreet has led India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs, and 155 T20I matches. Her tenure as T20I captain began in 2016. She assumed full-time ODI captaincy in 2022 after Mithali Raj retired from international cricket, subsequently taking charge of the team across all three formats.
The most memorable success for India under her captaincy came during the 2025 ODI World Cup. India won the Women's ODI World Cup title for the first time by defeating South Africa. (The Indian Express)
Prior to this, India finished as runners-up under her leadership in the 2020 T20 World Cup. India also reached the semi-finals under her captaincy in the 2018 T20 World Cup.

Final assignment at the Asian Games
Harmanpreet's last assignment as captain was the Asian Games held in Hangzhou last month. Under her leadership, India won the women's T20 gold medal for the second consecutive time. (The New Indian Express)
Following this, the BCCI held a meeting in Guwahati to discuss the future plans for the Indian women's team. Harmanpreet, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and head coach Amol Muzumdar attended the meeting alongside Board Secretary Devajit Saikia. The announcement of Harmanpreet stepping down as captain came just a day later.  

Smriti Mandhana next?
Smriti Mandhana is the frontrunner to succeed Harmanpreet, although the new captain has not yet been officially named.
Mandhana has proven her capabilities by leading teams in franchise cricket over the past few years. Consequently, she is considered a top contender to lead the national team.
Harmanpreet's departure marks the end of a long era of leadership in Indian women's cricket. However, her journey as a World Cup-winning captain is not coming to a complete halt—while her captaincy tenure has ended, her career as a cricketer continues.