Harmanpreet Kaur gets a second chance to finish captaining India on a high

After leading India to their second gold medal in women’s cricket at the Asian Games, Harmanpreet Kaur once again ended the major tournament with a trophy in hand. India beat Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final in Nagoya on Tuesday, with Smriti Mandhan’s 79 contributing to a commanding victory.

It was another milestone for Harmanpreet in a career as a captain who had already brought India’s first senior ICC title. It also brought her to another natural point where she considered passing the baton to Mandhana.

Last year she had what seemed like the perfect opportunity. India won the Women’s ODI World Cup for the first timethus definitively ending their wait for the ICC senior trophy. Harmanpreet has led the team through years of near misses and the triumph offered a fitting way to end her captaincy.

She decided to continue.

India subsequently suffered an early exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup, again raising questions about whether it was time for Harmanpreet to step down. But she remained in charge. Now, after another gold medal, he has another opportunity to leave the role on a high note.

India have two years before the Los Angeles Olympics and the T20 World Cup in 2028. This gives the team ample time to prepare for a change in leadership and develop players who could shape its next era.

HARMANPREET’S LINK IS ALREADY SECURED

Harmanpreet Kaur has tasted success as India women’s captain. Courtesy: PTI

Any discussion of succession should start with what Harmanpreet has already accomplished.

She has been one of the defining figures of Indian women’s cricket, from her iconic 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final to leading India to World Cup glory on home soil.

The Asian Games gold adds another great achievement for that record. If she decides to resign now, she would not be leaving because her contribution has decreased. It would choose the timing of the next phase.

Diana Edulji believes that India should stop delaying this transition.

“We are keeping Smriti Mandhan for a long time. By the time the next World Cup comes, Harman will be nearing 40, so let’s give Smriti a good run and look at the two youngsters as vice-captains. My humble request to Harman would be that people ask why and not why not,” Edulji told Mid-Day.

The former India captain’s argument is also about succeeding Mandhana. India’s next captain should have time to establish herself, while the team should simultaneously identify players who can eventually take over the responsibility of leadership.

This process becomes easier when change is planned rather than forced by circumstances.

MANDHANA HAS ALREADY RAISED HIS HAND

Smriti Mandhana has already said that she is ready to become the captain. Courtesy: PTI

Mandhana is an obvious candidate to take over as he has been part of India’s leadership group for years.

She captained India in Harmanpreet’s absence and gained considerable experience in franchise cricket as the leader of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League.

Her leadership has been enhanced by her success with RCB, while her position in the Indian dressing room is long established.

Mandhana also made her intentions clear.

“Yes, of course. I am ready,” she said when asked if she was ready to captain India.

So a left-hander would not be starting from scratch if he handed the job over. She already understands the older group and has spent years working alongside Harmanpreet.

The challenge would be to own this leadership role and shape the team in your own way.

NIKI PRASAD WILL LEAD THE NEXT WAVE

Niki Prasad has proved to be a handy cricketer in the last 24 months. Courtesy: Instagram

While Mandhana presents an immediate succession option, India must also look further ahead. The team will eventually need players capable of taking on more responsibility as Harmanpreet moves into the latter stages of his career.

Niki Prasad is one of the youngsters who has continued to make a strong case ever since captained India to the U19 T20 Women’s World Cup title.

She has already completed two seasons in the Women’s Premier League for Delhi Capitals and recently impressed during India A’s series against Australia A.

At New Chandigarh, Prasad smashed 54 off 31 balls in the T20 and produced an attacking innings after India ran into trouble. She also contributed with the ball.

In the first one-dayer against Australia A, she made an unbeaten 32 as India won by four wickets.

Prasad’s versatility is one of her greatest strengths. She can bat in a variety of positions and adapt to the demands of the situation, with her previous experience as a captain giving her an added dimension.

Vrinda Dinesh is another player who caught the eye. Against Australia A, she made 69 off 41 balls, showcasing her ability to score quickly in the middle order.

Anushka Sharma is another option that India can explore. The all-rounder provides batting depth and another bowling option, making her a useful player to assess as the team develops.

Exposure should now be the priority for all three. They need opportunities against stronger opposition to see if their home and India A form can translate to a higher level.

ZIMBABWE OFFERS LOW PRESSURE START

India’s home series against Zimbabwe begins on October 16. Courtesy: PTI

The upcoming home series against Zimbabwe could be an ideal environment for India to start experimenting.

The squads have yet to be announced, giving the selectors an opportunity to decide how much of the established core they want to retain and where they can introduce new faces.

India can test different batting positions, combinations and bowling options without having to make decisions with a knock-out game in mind. Players who have performed well in India A can get a taste of the senior environment, while established members can be steered according to the team’s long-term requirements.

The series may also provide an early indication of how India wants to approach the period leading up to the 2028 T20 World Cup.

For Harmanpreet, the Asian Games gold once again provided a fitting exit point. Whether she chooses to do so is a decision that only she and the team management can make.

But unlike last year, India now has a clear window in which to prepare for whatever comes next.

Harmanpreet may choose to continue in search of more milestones. Or she can leave the captaincy with an ODI World Cup and two Asian Games gold medals tied to her tenure.

Either way, Indian women’s cricket needs to ensure that the next generation is not left waiting for its turn.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

23 Sep 2026, 6:00 AM IST