New Delhi, October 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has made it clear that stepping down from the leadership role has not reduced her ambitions, saying she remains determined to contribute to the national team and win more trophies for the country.
Harmanpreet, who handed over the captaincy after India’s Asian Games campaign, said the next phase of her career would be about enjoying the game, making clearer decisions and contributing wherever the team needs her.
“The journey looks no different to me as a cricketer, except that my role as captain has changed. The leadership within me will always remain, and I will continue to make my personal decisions with greater clarity while helping the team wherever my experience and inputs can add value,” Harmanpreet told IANS.
“And the dream is definitely not over. The trophies are not finished either. I am still hungry to contribute, perform and win more trophies for my country and for all the fans who have shown me constant love and support over the years,” she added.
The 37-year-old said her decision to relinquish the captaincy was not driven by fatigue or disappointment with results, but by a desire to approach cricket and life differently.
“The team is in a very good place, but that doesn’t mean the captain has any less responsibility. Every day brings new challenges and decisions that have to be made in the best interest of the team,” she said.
Harmanpreet said she wanted more time for her family and friends while continuing to enjoy cricket without the additional responsibilities that come with captaincy.
She described India’s Asian Games gold as a special achievement but said the medal did not influence her decision to step down. Instead, it strengthened her belief in the talent and depth within the current squad.
“I feel very confident about the team and the players we have today. There is a lot of talent, hunger and experience within the group, and that gives me great confidence about the future of Indian women’s cricket,” she said.
Harmanpreet also backed new captain Smriti Mandhana, with whom she has shared the Indian setup for more than a decade. The two have trained together at the National Cricket Academy, travelled together and shared several milestones in their careers.
“Most importantly, we have always had a strong understanding of each other, and I believe that will benefit us even more now. I will be very happy to support her and stand alongside her as she performs her role as captain,” Harmanpreet said.
The change in role will also allow her to focus more closely on her individual performance. She said captaincy sometimes required personal goals to take a back seat, even though batting remained her priority.
“Now I want to approach my game with even more clarity — understanding my role, executing it well and, most importantly, enjoying every bit of cricket,” she said.
The all-rounder also remains open to bowling more if the team requires her services.
“Whenever and wherever my team requires me to perform a particular role, I will be happy to do it,” she said, adding that she wanted to focus on her routines, enjoy being on the field and contribute to the team in whichever way possible.
Harmanpreet took over India’s captaincy in 2012 and said she had always understood that the responsibility would eventually have to be passed on to another player.
“When the baton was passed on to me, I took it with full responsibility and gave it everything I had. Somewhere along the way, I always knew that one day I would have to pass that baton on to someone else,” she said.
Calling the transition “another beginning”, Harmanpreet said she was grateful that her contribution to Indian cricket had been recognised and that her journey had inspired people.
FOLLOW NOW
