The short version
- Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur.
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India prioritized a younger leader despite Kaur's desire to retain leadership in longer formats.
- Former players and officials are divided on whether the experienced veteran should have remained at the helm given her recent form.
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team, marking the end of a defining chapter in the sport's history within the country. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially ratified the leadership transition during a recent review meeting attended by board secretary Devajit Saikia, coach Amol Muzumdar, and both outgoing and incoming leaders. Smriti Mandhana, who served as Kaur’s long-time deputy, has been named captain across all formats. This decision signals a strategic shift toward younger leadership within the national squad.
The timing of the change follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding Kaur's performance and future role. Although she led the team to victory in the 2025 Women's World Cup, as well as recent wins in the Asia Cup and Asian Games, her form dipped significantly during the T20 World Cup in England earlier this year. Reports indicate that while Kaur was prepared to relinquish the T20 captaincy immediately, she had expressed a desire to continue leading the side in One-Day Internationals and Test matches. Her intention was to provide stability and mentorship to younger players leveraging her extensive experience.
However, the BCCI opted for a complete transition rather than a phased approach. The board determined that a younger figure should assume full control of the team. Mandhana, aged 30, takes over from Kaur, who is approaching 38. This move mirrors a similar decision made earlier this year regarding the men's T20 side, where Suryakumar Yadav was replaced as captain by Shreyas Iyer shortly after India won the World Cup. In that instance, Yadav also lost his place in the playing XI, highlighting a broader organizational preference for fresh leadership following major tournament successes.
The rationale behind the change centers on the rapid expansion and increasing competitiveness of women's cricket globally. Kaur’s modest recent batting performances amplified concerns about the team's ability to meet these growing challenges. The BCCI appears to view this transition as necessary to adapt to a modernizing game, even though it means parting ways with one of the sport's most recognizable figures in India. The decision reflects a calculated risk that youth and new energy may better serve the team's long-term interests than established tenure.
Reaction within cricketing circles has been sharply divided. Former captain Anjum Chopra argued that Kaur’s experience remained invaluable and suggested she should have stayed on to guide the next generation. Conversely, respected former player Diana Edulji felt that Kaur had fulfilled her duties adequately and that it was appropriate for a younger leader to take charge. These differing opinions underscore the complexity of managing veteran players who are still active contributors but may no longer fit the administrative vision for team leadership.
Kaur announced her departure through an emotional social media post, reflecting on her journey and contributions. She stated that she had given everything to the team and was now ready to focus on playing for the love of the game rather than bearing the burden of captaincy. Her career, spanning more than two decades, includes significant milestones such as her explosive century against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final, a match that helped elevate the profile of women's cricket in India despite the team ultimately losing the final to England.
The immediate future for Kaur remains uncertain. Unlike Suryakumar Yadav, who was dropped from the men's T20 squad due to deeper talent pools available in men's cricket, Kaur’s situation is more nuanced. The women's game does not yet possess the same depth of experienced leadership options, making it difficult to simply replace a player of her stature and influence. The BCCI must now decide whether she retains a spot in the playing XI, balancing her proven track record with the need to integrate new talent.
Born in Moga, Punjab, Kaur rose from modest beginnings to become an indispensable all-rounder for India. Her move to Mumbai and subsequent association with the Railways cricket system facilitated her development into a professional athlete. Since her debut in 2009, she has been known for her explosive middle-order batting, crafty off-spin bowling, and sharp fielding. As she transitions out of leadership, the focus shifts to how Mandhana will steer the team through upcoming tournaments and whether Kaur can rediscover her peak form as a pure player.
This leadership change represents more than just a personnel swap; it symbolizes the maturation of Indian women's cricket. From being a niche interest to a mainstream sporting phenomenon, the team has grown under Kaur’s guidance. The challenge now lies in maintaining that momentum while adapting to new tactical demands and international competition. The coming months will test whether this generational shift yields the competitive edge the BCCI seeks.
As the dust settles on this transition, fans and analysts alike await the first major tournament under Mandhana’s leadership. The success of this experiment will likely determine how future leadership decisions are made within the BCCI. For now, the cricketing community honors Kaur’s legacy while looking forward to what the new era holds for Indian women's cricket.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗She made India fall in love with women's cricket - now her era as captain is over
