Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down As India Captain Across All Formats

India’s women’s ODI World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down from the leadership role across all formats, ending a tenure that began with her appointment as full-time T20I captain in 2018 and ODI captain in 2022.

Kaur took over the ODI reins from legendary batter Mithali Raj and later guided India through several landmark victories.

She said she had often put aside personal ambitions and individual growth to prioritise the team.

“I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had. I carried the responsibility with pride,” Kaur wrote.

She also thanked her teammates, coaches, support staff, management, BCCI, family and fans for supporting her throughout her leadership journey.

Kaur made history by becoming the first woman captain to lead India to a senior ICC Women’s World Cup title. India defeated South Africa on home soil to secure the historic crown.

She also guided India to four Asia Cup titles in 2012, 2016, 2022 and 2026, besides leading the team to consecutive Asian Games gold medals in Hangzhou in 2022 and Aichi-Nagoya in 2026.

Under Kaur, India secured its first bilateral women’s ODI series victory in England since 1999 in 2022.

She also led India to a historic Test win against Australia in 2023 and a breakthrough T20I series victory against England in 2025.

Earlier this year, India defeated England by 270 runs in the first women’s Test at Lord’s under her leadership.

Kaur also became the first cricketer to captain a side in more than 150 T20I matches, surpassing leading men’s captains including MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

“Captaincy ends. The journey continues,” Kaur concluded.

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