Why did Harmanpreet Kaur step down as India women’s captain?

What happened?

Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats on **6 October 2026**.

The BCCI formally acknowledged the decision the same day, and the ICC also reported that the 37-year-old had left the captaincy with immediate effect.

She has **not retired from international cricket**. Harmanpreet said she wants to continue representing India as a player and support the team under new leadership.

Why did Harmanpreet Kaur step down?

In the statement shared through BCCI, Harmanpreet said that after careful consideration she believed it was the right time to hand over the responsibility and allow the team to move forward under new leadership.

She did not announce a dispute or injury as the reason. The decision came after a BCCI review meeting about the direction of the women’s team.

How long was she India captain?

Harmanpreet became India’s full-time T20I captain in 2016 and took over the ODI and Test captaincy after Mithali Raj retired in 2022.

Reuters reported that she led India in **5 Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is**.

Her captaincy included some of the biggest achievements in Indian women’s cricket, including India’s first women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025 and Asian Games gold medals.

Will Harmanpreet Kaur still play for India?

Yes.

Her BCCI statement says her commitment to Indian cricket remains unchanged and that she wants to keep contributing as a player, including helping younger players and the new leadership group.

Who is the next India women’s captain?

BCCI had not announced a permanent replacement in the sources checked for this article.

Until an official appointment is made, reports or social-media claims naming a successor should be treated as speculation.

This article reflects the confirmed position on 6 October 2026.