Harmanpreet Kaur resigns as India captain across all formats

Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats in an Instagram post on October 6.

"This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life," Harmanpreet wrote as she announced the end of her captaincy.

Harmanpreet has led the Indian women’s side through difficult periods and several memorable wins, guiding a team that has undergone multiple changes during her tenure. The 37-year-old has been described in the announcement as one of the senior figures in the squad whose experience and leadership have been central to the side. Her statement said she has taken on responsibility for the team’s development and growth over the years.

On reasons for stepping down, she wrote: "I feel I have done my duty. I leave this team everything I had," and acknowledged having to make tough choices that were "not always understood". She added that some of those decisions required sacrificing her own individual performance and growth "because I believed the team had to come first."

Harmanpreet used the post to thank teammates, coaches, support staff, management, the BCCI, her family and fans for their backing. She also wrote: "Now, I’m ready to play for the love of the game again." The message concluded with: "Captaincy ends. The journey continues."

The announcement made clear that relinquishing the captaincy does not mean retiring from international cricket: she confirmed she will continue playing and intends to contribute in a different role within the team. The message stated her experience will remain important as the side moves into its next phase and suggested the leadership change could allow a fresh approach while she focuses on playing.

Harmanpreet’s decision, communicated on October 6 via Instagram, leaves the India captaincy open as she returns to a playing role and seeks to support the team in a new capacity.