After leading the Indian women’s cricket team to its first-ever ODI World Cup title and back-to-back gold medals at the Asian Games, Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain across all formats. She became T20I captain in 2016; Test and ODI captain in 2022. “This is not an easy decision,” the 37-year-old wrote on Instagram. “It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have given every- thing I had to this team and to Indian women’s cricket—my blood, my sweat, my time, and many times, a part of my own game and personal ambitions.” Her big- gest achievement as captain was winning the Women’s ODI World Cup in November 2025. She also led India to four Asia Cup titles, more than any other captain.
Smriti Mandhana, 30, the leading overall run scorer in international women’s cricket, has been appointed to replace Kaur. Mandhana has captained India in 18 T20s and four ODIs, and also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026. “To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honor,” Mandhana said. “Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team is something I will value deeply.”
Compiled and partly written by Indian humorist MELVIN DURAI, author of the novel Bala Takes the Plunge. [Comments? Contributions? Please email us at melvin@melvindurai.com. We welcome jokes, quotes, online clips, and more.]