World Cup winner Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as captain of the Indian women’s team
Indian women’s captain and stalwart Harmanpreet Kaur announced the decision to step down from her role on Tuesday, October 6. Harmanpreet’s decision comes after she led India to a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
Harmanpreet announced the decision via Instagram in a lengthy post where she confirmed that she would continue to be part of the team and wanted to make the call to help the side improve.
“Today I am stepping down as the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team in all formats.”
“It’s not an easy decision. It carries with it years of memories, emotions, sacrifices and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
“I gave everything I had to this team and Indian women’s cricket – my blood, my sweat, my time and many times a part of my own game and personal ambition. There were times when I had to put my individual performance, my own growth and what I wanted for myself aside because I believed that the team had to come first.”
“As a captain, I 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 give other players the opportunity to grow, believe in themselves and become the best version of themselves.”
“I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen the worst moments, the heartbreak, the criticism, the doubt, and the days when it seemed like nothing was going right. And I’ve also seen the highs – the victories, the celebrations, the pride in representing our country and the moments when every sacrifice was worth it.”
“| leave the captaincy today with a heart full of emotion, but also with PEACE.”
“Because I truly believe my team is in a good place. A team with talent, character, belief and a future that I’m incredibly excited to watch and be a part of.”
“I feel I have done my duty. I have given everything I had to this team. I have carried the responsibility with pride and will always be grateful for the privilege of leading Indian women’s cricket.”
“Now it’s time for me to turn the page. The captaincy may end today, but my love for Indian cricket never does.”
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, support staff, management, BCCI, family members, every fan who has stood by me through the highs and lows.”
“Blood. Sweat. Sacrifice. Pride. I gave it all. Now I am ready to play again for the love of the game. The captaincy ends. The journey continues,” Harmanpreet’s statement read.
– The end