Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down As India Captain After A Defining Era

The Harmanpreet Kaur captaincy era has come to an end, with the Indian cricketer stepping down as India’s captain across Tests, ODIs and T20Is on October 06, 2026. Harmanpreet Kaur led India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is, becoming the first cricketer to captain a team in 150 T20Is. Her leadership connected different generations of Indian women’s cricket and included several landmark achievements.

Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India’s women’s captain across all formats

More than a decade at the helm

Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy journey began in the early 2010s, while she became India’s full-time T20I captain in 2016 and took charge of the ODI and Test teams in 2022. During this period, she led India through the transition from the Mithali Raj era to a new generation of players.

100+ T20Is as captain

Harmanpreet Kaur captained India in 155 T20Is, the highest number for any player in international cricket. She also became the first cricketer to lead a team in 150 T20Is. She later became the first player to play 200 T20Is in June 2026.

India’s biggest achievements under Harmanpreet Kaur

First-ever Asian Games gold

In 2023, Harmanpreet Kaur led India to its first-ever gold medal in women’s cricket at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. India defeated Sri Lanka in the final. India then successfully defended the title at the 2026 Asian Games, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs.

Commonwealth Games silver

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Harmanpreet Kaur led India to the silver medal in the women’s T20 cricket competition. It was the first time women’s cricket was played at the Commonwealth Games.

3-0 ODI sweep in England

In 2022, India defeated England 3-0 in an ODI series in England. It was India’s first bilateral ODI series win in England since 1999, ending a 23-year wait.

Back-to-back Test wins against England and Australia

In December 2023, India recorded consecutive Test victories against England and Australia. India defeated England by 347 runs, before beating Australia by eight wickets to register India’s first-ever women’s Test win against Australia.

First T20 World Cup final

Harmanpreet Kaur led India to their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup final in 2020. India finished runners-up to Australia in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Captain After Defining Era

India’s first senior women’s ODI World Cup title

The biggest milestone came in 2025, when Harmanpreet Kaur became the captain of the Indian women’s team that won its first senior Women’s ODI World Cup title. India defeated South Africa in the final. Harmanpreet Kaur therefore became the first Indian woman to captain India to a senior World Cup title.

A captaincy filled with milestones

Under Harmanpreet Kaur, India also won multiple Asia Cup titles and reached major international finals and semi-finals. Her tenure included India’s first Women’s T20 World Cup final, two Asian Games gold medals, a Commonwealth Games silver and the country’s maiden senior Women’s ODI World Cup title.

Harmanpreet Kaur will continue her cricket career as a player after stepping down from captaincy.

FAQs about Harmanpreet Kaur

When did Harmanpreet Kaur step down as India captain?
Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as India’s captain across all formats on October 06, 2026.

How many T20Is did Harmanpreet Kaur captain India in?
She captained India in 155 T20Is.

What was India’s biggest achievement under Harmanpreet Kaur?
India won its first senior Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025 under her captaincy.

Did Harmanpreet Kaur lead India to Asian Games gold?
Yes. India won women’s cricket gold at the Asian Games in 2023 and 2026 under her leadership.

Did India win a Commonwealth Games medal under Harmanpreet Kaur?
Yes. India won the women’s cricket silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

When did India first reach the Women’s T20 World Cup final?
India reached its first Women’s T20 World Cup final in 2020, with Harmanpreet Kaur as captain.

What happened in India’s 2022 England ODI series?
India won the three-match ODI series 3-0, their first bilateral ODI series victory in England since 1999.

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