Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all three formats, ending a decade-long tenure in the leadership role. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had offered her the option of continuing as captain in one format, with the ODI format reportedly being the preferred choice. Harmanpreet, however, is said to have declined the option and decided to relinquish the captaincy altogether.

The decision followed a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati attended by Harmanpreet, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar. The meeting reportedly focused on the leadership positions of both Harmanpreet and Muzumdar. With women's cricket featuring relatively few Test matches, the possibility of retaining Harmanpreet as ODI captain was considered, but the 37-year-old reportedly chose to step away from leadership across formats.

Harmanpreet's decision comes after a significant period in Indian women's cricket, including the team's historic Women's Cricket World Cup triumph in 2025. However, according to the report, her position had also come under pressure after India failed to reach the semi-finals at two successive Women's T20 World Cups. The BCCI is now understood to be looking towards a leadership transition, with Smriti Mandhana expected to take charge of the team.

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The change in leadership is also being considered with India's upcoming international commitments in mind. The 2028 T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics are expected to be major targets for the women's team, while the next 50-over Women's Cricket World Cup is scheduled for 2029. The BCCI is reportedly planning to build the team around Mandhana as it begins preparations for the next phase of Indian women's cricket.

Harmanpreet announced her resignation in a social media post, describing the decision as difficult after years of responsibility and memories with the team. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Indian women's cricket and indicated that although her captaincy has ended, she intends to continue playing for India. Her departure from the leadership role marks the end of a long chapter while allowing her to focus on her playing career without the additional responsibility of captaincy.

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