Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down as India’s captain across all three formats brings to an end one of the most successful leadership tenures in the history of Indian women’s cricket. Having first taken charge of the T20I side in 2016 before becoming India’s all-format captain, Harmanpreet led the team through some of its greatest achievements, including a historic ODI World Cup triumph, multiple continental titles and landmark victories in Test cricket.
Here are the unique milestones that defined her captaincy.
1. First India Women’s Captain to Win an ODI World Cup
The defining moment of Harmanpreet’s leadership came in 2025 when India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title on home soil.
India defeated South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Stadium to secure their first-ever senior women’s World Cup, making Harmanpreet the first captain to guide the Indian women’s team to a global ICC title.
2. First Cricketer to Captain 150 T20 Internationals
During the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup match against Pakistan, Harmanpreet became the first player to captain a team in 150 Women’s T20Is.
The landmark highlighted her longevity and consistency as India’s leader throughout an entire decade in the shortest format.
3. India’s Most Successful T20I Captain by Wins
Harmanpreet finished her captaincy stint with 92 victories in Women’s T20Is, the highest number achieved by any Indian captain in the format.
Her record surpassed those of several prominent Indian men’s captains, underlining her remarkable success over a sustained period.
4. Most Asia Cup Titles as India Captain
No Indian captain has won more Asia Cup titles than Harmanpreet Kaur.
After guiding India to victory in the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup, she secured her fourth Asia Cup crown as captain.
5. First Captain to Win Multiple Women’s Premier League Titles
As for achievements in franchise cricket, Harmanpreet also created history in the Women’s Premier League.
She became the first captain to win multiple WPL championships, leading Mumbai Indians to titles in 2023 and 2025, establishing herself as the league’s most successful captain.
6. First Woman Captain to Win a Test at Lord’s
Another landmark arrived in July 2026 when India defeated England in the first-ever women’s Test played at Lord’s.
The victory made Harmanpreet the first woman captain to win an international Test match at the iconic venue. The victory further strengthened her remarkable Test captaincy record.
Harmanpreet’s Farewell Message
In a communication to the BCCI after stepping down, Harmanpreet said made it clear that stepping down from the captaincy does not mark the end of her international career.
“Leading India has been one of the greatest honours and privileges of my life. The responsibility of wearing the India jersey and, above all, having the opportunity to lead my country has given me some of the most cherished moments of my cricketing journey.
“I would like to sincerely thank the BCCI, the selectors, the coaching staff, support staff, my teammates and everyone who has stood by me throughout my tenure as captain.
“After careful consideration, I believe that this is the right time for me to hand over the responsibility of captaincy and allow the team to move forward under new leadership.
“However, my commitment to Indian cricket remains as strong as ever. I would like to continue representing the Indian Women’s Cricket Team as a player and contribute to the team’s success in every way I can.
“I remain fully committed to giving my best on the field and supporting the team, the new leadership and the younger players with the same passion and dedication.
“I look forward to continuing this journey in the India jersey and contributing to Indian cricket with the same pride, humility and commitment that I have always carried.”
BCCI Pays Tribute to Harmanpreet
The BCCI thanked Harmanpreet for her contribution as captain, highlighting the role she played in the growth of Indian women’s cricket.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas described the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup victory as the defining achievement of her captaincy, while also acknowledging the importance of the Asian Games gold medals and numerous other milestones during her tenure.
Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia praised Harmanpreet for leading India through some of the most significant moments in the team’s history and welcomed her decision to continue representing the country as a player.
A Legacy Beyond Statistics
Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership will be remembered for much more than victories and trophies. She captained India through a transformative period for women’s cricket, helping the team achieve historic milestones while setting new benchmarks for future generations.
Although her captaincy chapter has now closed, Harmanpreet continues her international career as one of the most experienced figures in Indian cricket, with her leadership legacy firmly secured among the finest in the country’s history.
