Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down As India Women’s Captain Across All Formats: ‘I Have Done My Duty’

India women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain across all formats, bringing an end to her tenure as one of the most successful leaders in Indian women’s cricket.

Kaur, who has led India in T20Is since 2018 and ODIs since 2022 after taking over from Mithali Raj, announced her decision on Instagram on Tuesday.

‘This Is Not An Easy Decision’

Announcing her decision, Harmanpreet said captaincy had involved years of memories, sacrifices and difficult choices.

“I have given everything I had to this team and to Indian women’s cricket — my blood, my sweat, my time, and many times, a part of my own game and personal ambitions,” she wrote.

She added that several decisions she took as captain were not always understood but were made with the intention of helping the team improve and giving younger players opportunities to develop.

Led India To Maiden Women’s ODI World Cup Title

Harmanpreet’s biggest achievement as captain came when she guided India to their maiden senior ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title by defeating South Africa on home soil.

She also led India to four Asia Cup titles in 2012, 2016, 2022 and 2026, while the team won consecutive Asian Games gold medals under her leadership at Hangzhou 2022 and Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Historic Wins And Records Under Harmanpreet

During her captaincy, India secured their first bilateral Women’s ODI series victory in England since 1999 in 2022.

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

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

Earlier this year, she led India to a 270-run victory over England in the first-ever women’s Test played at Lord’s.

Captaincy Ends. The Journey Continues’

Reflecting on her decision, Harmanpreet said she was leaving the captaincy with peace of mind and confidence in the team’s future.

“I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had. I carried the responsibility with pride, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of leading Indian women’s cricket. Now, it is time for me to turn the page,” she wrote.

Harmanpreet also thanked her teammates, coaches, support staff, management, BCCI, family and fans for standing by her throughout her captaincy.

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