Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women’s Captain in All Formats
Harmanpreet Kaur reportedly declined an offer to stay on as Test and ODI captain, ending a captaincy that included the 2025 Women’s World Cup triumph.
By SportCricket Desk · 6 Oct 2026 · 2 min read
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped away from the India women’s captaincy in all formats. The 37-year-old was reportedly offered the chance to continue in Tests and ODIs but declined.
The decision
It followed a review meeting on October 5 attended by BCCI officials and head coach Amol Muzumdar. The BCCI has not given a reason. Kaur will keep playing for India and remains available for selection in every format.
Nearly a decade as captain
Kaur first led the T20I side in 2016 and became full-time ODI and Test captain in 2022, after Mithali Raj retired. She captained India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is, making her one of the most experienced captains in the women’s game.
Highlights of her tenure
The biggest moment was India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup win in 2025. She also led India to gold at the 2023 and 2026 Asian Games, a back-to-back success.
What happens next
The BCCI must now appoint new captains for the three formats. As of October 6, no successor had been officially named.
Her exit closes a significant chapter for Indian women’s cricket, though she will continue as a player.
