Some special players make records, while some win trophies and others simply change the dimension of the game. We can proudly say, our very own Harmanpreet Kaur has done all three. Her Indian captaincy chapter across all formats comes to an end, but the story she has written will live on forever. History has taught us one thing, whenever she has turned a page, another big moment is usually waiting on the side. Take a bow legend! You have made an entire generation believe that Indian Women’s Cricket could conquer the world. Knowing Harman, there is still plenty more she would like to achieve in the blue jersey.

From carrying the weight of a billion hopes to creating history on the biggest stage as skipper. In her statement on social media she said, “This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

From captain to history maker, she has done it all. Harman took charge of India’s T20I team in 2016. She became the ODI skipper in 2022 later taking over as the all-format leader. Over the years, she became synonymous with Indian women’s cricket, the voice in the huddle, the player willing to take the tough calls and the leader who stood like a rock through all the highs and the heartbreaks. She led India in five Tests, 51 ODI’s and 155 T20Is. (The first cricketer in international cricket to captain her side in more than 150 games in T20Is.) 

The biggest moment of her career came in 2025 when India lifted the ODI World Cup, achieving the pinnacle of success.  Also, this was the first time the trophy was won by the Indian women’s team under Harman’s leadership. The triumph represented the culmination of years of progress and more importantly produced a generation of players capable of competing on the world stage. She also led India to back-to-back Asian Games gold medals in 2022 and 2026.

Earlier, Harmanpreet first led the Indian women’s team as the stand-in captain during the 2012 Women’s T20 Asia Cup final which the side eventually won. From there on, it was no looking back as other defining moments of Harman’s leadership was India securing Asia Cup titles in 2016, 2022 and 2026.  

Also, another big achievement of hers came… when she surpassed Australia’s Meg Lanning to become the captain with the most wins in women’s T20 internationals. Leading India to a historic Test victory at one of the most iconic grounds in world cricket LORDS, will always remain very special. Her 171 not out versus Australia in 2017 during the Women’s World Cup semi-final still remains the highest individual score by an Indian woman in World Cup history.

Knowing her team is in a very good place, she now looks to concentrate entirely on her own growth and individual performance while also showing a lot of gratitude for what she has achieved. “I leave the captaincy today with a heart full of emotions, but also with PEACE. I genuinely believe my team is in a good place. A team with talent, character, belief and a future that I am incredibly excited to watch and be a part of. 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.”   

Blood, sweat, sacrifice and pride, Harmanpreet concluded with, “I gave it all. Now, I am ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues.” Harman, we are extremely proud of your journey and wish you the very best for your next chapter in the blue jersey. Keep shining, inspiring and most importantly keep playing the game you love.