Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down as India’s all-format captain has triggered an emotional wave of appreciation and gratitude across the cricketing fraternity. Announcing the move through a heartfelt caption on her personal Instagram handle on Tuesday morning, Harmanpreet brought an end to a defining leadership chapter, one that delivered historic titles, unforgettable victories and a lasting impact on Indian women’s cricket.
The tributes began almost immediately, with current teammates, former players, commentators and international stars acknowledging the 37-year-old’s contribution. Smriti Mandhana, who has been appointed India’s new captain across all three formats, paid tribute to Harmanpreet’s leadership and the example she has set for the next generation. Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Bharti Fulmali, Vaishnavi Sharma, Titas Sadhu and Jemimah Rodrigues were among the Indian players to express their gratitude.
The stylish top-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues shared a heartfelt story on her personal Instagram handle which read: “Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved. Thanks for the years of leadership and for everything you did for the team!”
Harmanpreet’s tenure was defined by landmark achievements. She led India to consecutive Asian Games gold medals, defeating Sri Lanka in the finals of the 2023 and 2026 editions. India secured the 2026 gold with a 147-run victory over Chamari Athapaththu’s side at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, on 22 September, following the 19-run triumph in Hangzhou on 25 September 2023.
She also guided India to their fourth ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup title in 2026, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 13 September. The victory added to India’s earlier titles in 2012, 2016 and 2022. During that tournament, Harmanpreet became the first player, male or female, to captain, in 150 T20Is.
Her greatest ODI achievement came on home soil in 2025, when India won their maiden senior-level ICC title by lifting the Women’s ODI World Cup. Harmanpreet’s 89 off 88 balls in the semi-final against Australia, alongside Jemimah Rodrigues’ 127, powered India through a daunting chase of 339. India then defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on 2 November.
Her leadership also produced memorable Test victories. India defeated Australia by eight wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in December 2023, their first Test win over Australia, and overcame England in the historic first women’s Test at Lord’s from 10 to 13 July 2026. Harmanpreet’s Test captaincy record includes an 80 per cent win rate, with her only defeat coming against Australia at Perth’s W.A.C.A. in March 2026.
Shikhar Dhawan, the former men’s cricket team player, wrote: “Leadership is never just about the title; it’s about the impact you leave behind. Harmanpreet, you’ve given Indian cricket a lot to be proud of. Wishing you the best for everything ahead.” Harsha Bhogle, Anjum Chopra, Reema Malhotra and commentator Alan Wilkins joined the tributes, while South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp, former England bowler Kate Cross, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Nepal captain Indu Barma also saluted her influence beyond India.
Mandhana now begins a new era, supported by Shafali Verma as T20I vice-captain and Deepti Sharma as ODI vice-captain. Having won 11 of her 18 T20Is and all four of her ODIs as a stand-in captain, Mandhana has already shown promise. India’s transition begins against Zimbabwe in their historic white-ball bilateral series from 16 to 28 October 2026.
Yet before the next chapter unfolds, the cricketing world has paused to recognise Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain who transformed pressure into purpose and officially left the leadership role of Indian cricket with a legacy that will endure far beyond the captaincy.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.
Source: femalecricket.com
