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Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down As India Captain Amid Outpouring Of Tributes
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News18•06-10-2026, 17:22
Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down As India Captain Amid Outpouring Of Tributes
- •Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as India captain across all three formats following a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati.
- •The 37-year-old will continue to represent India as a player, stating she is ready to play purely for the love of the game.
- •Tributes poured in from cricket legends like Yuvraj Singh, teammate Shafali Verma, and various IPL franchises acknowledging her immense contribution.
- •Smriti Mandhana is currently regarded as the front-runner to succeed Harmanpreet as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team.
- •Harmanpreet leaves the role having recently led India to their maiden Women's World Cup victory in November 2025 and an Asian Games gold medal.
Key Questions Answered
Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down following a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati chaired by secretary Devajit Saikia to assess the team's progress. She stated that she had fulfilled her responsibility in the leadership role and was ready to simply play for the love of the game again.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is widely regarded as the front-runner to succeed Harmanpreet Kaur and has openly stated her ambition to lead the 'Women in Blue'.
Under her leadership, India secured their maiden Women's World Cup title in November 2025 and also won the gold medal at the Asian Games.
