Harmanpreet Steps Aside, Legends Back the Call
The skipper has handed over the captaincy. Purnima Rau, Diana Edulji and Shanta Rangaswamy point to Smriti Mandhana as the natural successor
The whispers had been growing for some time. After India’s second successive group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup in June, questions around Harmanpreet Kaur’s future as captain intensified, with the selection committee, chaired by Amita Sharma, understood to be divided on the issue.
Harmanpreet herself had previously expressed her desire to lead India at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. On Tuesday, however, she chose a different path. “I step down from captaincy today with a heart full of emotions, but also with peace. I genuinely believe my team is in a good place, a team with talent, character, belief, and a future that I am incredibly excited to watch and continue being a part of.”
The veteran batter is relinquishing leadership across all three formats but will continue to play, retaining a key role in the team as Indian women’s cricket prepares for its next chapter.
The decision has won the approval of some of the women who helped shape Indian cricket themselves.
‘RETIRED ON A HIGH NOTE’
Former India captain and coach Purnima Rau believes Harmanpreet has chosen the right moment to step aside. “Harman has retired on a high note as a captain. As a player she still has the fuel. We have to look forward and plan for the next World Cup. We have to give the new captain and team, whoever the selectors choose, time to plan their strategies to win.”
Rau sees the change as part of the natural cycle of leadership. “Not surprised at all. When you are walking into sunset all players have to go through this process. I leave the decision to the selectors. Some captain who will put the country first and keep the team together is very important now in this legacy which Harman has left behind.”
‘A GOOD DECISION FOR THE FUTURE’
Former India all-rounder and BCCI administrator Diana Edulji also welcomed the decision, stressing the importance of giving the next captain time to build the team. “It is a good decision she has taken in the interest of the future of women’s cricket, by giving enough time to the new captain and the team to gel under her captaincy.”
Edulji believes Harmanpreet still has plenty to offer as a player. “As Mr Gavaskar has always said, people should ask ‘why’ and not ‘why not’. I wish her all the best for her future. She has a few years left, whichever format she chooses to play. She should enjoy the remaining time in her career.” On succession, Edulji is unequivocal: “Smriti should lead the team now. I have been saying this for a long time.”
‘LET HER BATTING SPEAK’
Trailblazer Shanta Rangaswamy, the first Indian woman cricketer to represent the ICA and BCCI Apex Council, believes the removal of captaincy could allow Harmanpreet to focus on what she does best. “Harman has rendered yeoman service to the game as Captain. She’s still one of the fittest players. Hopefully her batting will speak louder now. Wish her the very best.” She too sees Smriti as the likely successor. “I think Smriti has been her understudy for long and likely to take over.”
Highlight: “I step down from captaincy today with a heart full of emotions, but also with peace. I genuinely believe my team is in a good place, a team with talent, character, belief, and a future that I am incredibly excited to watch and continue being a part of.”