Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India Captain: From Moga streets to World Cup glory, her remarkable journey

Indian women’s cricket has entered a new chapter as Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian team across all three formats with immediate effect. The 37-year-old announced her decision on October 6, bringing an end to a leadership journey that began with the T20I side in 2016 and expanded to ODI and Test cricket in 2022 after Mithali Raj’s retirement. However, Harmanpreet’s journey is far from over. She has made it clear that she wants to continue playing for India, meaning fans will still get to see the experienced batter on the field.

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The Captain Who Made World Cup History

The biggest achievement of Harmanpreet’s captaincy came in 2025 when she led India to their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title. India defeated South Africa in the final on home soil, giving women’s cricket in the country one of its most unforgettable moments. Her leadership resume also includes two consecutive Asian Games gold medals, including India’s successful title defence in 2026. She also led India to a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and was at the helm for historic Test victories, including India’s first women’s Test win at Lord’s in 2026.

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Record-Breaking T20I Career

Harmanpreet’s numbers are almost as remarkable as her leadership. She became the first cricketer in the world to captain a team in 150 T20Is and later became the first player, male or female, to reach 200 T20I appearances. She also became the most-capped player in women’s international cricket. Her name is also forever linked with one of the greatest World Cup innings. In the 2017 semi-final against Australia, she smashed an unbeaten 171 off just 115 balls, an innings that remains one of the defining performances in women’s cricket. In 2018, she created another piece of history by becoming the first Indian woman to score a T20I century, hitting 103 against New Zealand.

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From A Hockey Stick In Moga To Cricket Stardom

Harmanpreet’s beginnings were much simpler than her international career suggests. Growing up in Moga, Punjab, she did not always have proper cricket equipment. As a youngster, she practised cricket shots with a hockey stick and played with boys in her neighbourhood. Her family also struggled to afford formal cricket training before coach Kamaldeesh Singh Sodhi helped her continue her cricket journey. That early determination became a defining part of her personality. From playing cricket in the streets of Moga to leading India to a World Cup, her story is one of persistence and self-belief.

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She Was A Pioneer In Overseas Franchise Cricket

Harmanpreet also helped open doors for Indian women cricketers in overseas T20 leagues. In 2016, she became the first Indian cricketer, male or female, to sign for the Women’s Big Bash League, joining Sydney Thunder. She later became the first Indian player to join England’s Kia Super League with Surrey Stars. At the WPL level, she captained Mumbai Indians to the inaugural title in 2023 and another championship in 2025, further establishing her reputation as a successful T20 leader.

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Beyond Cricket: A Barbie Role Model And Petrolhead

Harmanpreet’s influence has also gone beyond the cricket field. In 2025, she featured in Barbie’s “You Can Be Anything” campaign in India, alongside other inspirational Indian women. The campaign celebrated women breaking stereotypes and encouraging young girls to dream bigger. And there is a completely different side to the cricketer too Harmanpreet is known for her love of powerful vehicles. Her collection has been associated with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and vintage/customised Jeeps, reflecting her interest in bikes and cars.

Legacy That Goes Beyond The Captaincy

Harmanpreet Kaur may have handed over the captain’s responsibility, but her impact on Indian cricket is already firmly established. She was the captain who finally brought home the Women’s ODI World Cup, the batter who produced unforgettable big-hitting performances and the pioneer who helped Indian women cricketers make their mark overseas. Now, without the pressure of captaincy, the next chapter of Harmanpreet Kaur’s career could be just as interesting this time, with the experienced legend focusing solely on being the player India can still count on.

- PTC PUNJABI