Harmanpreet Kaur's 2017 World Cup century against Australia changed the course of a match and the trajectory of women's cricket in India. Although India lost that final to England, women's cricket no longer remained a passing pursuit for the average Indian fan. Her dogged zeal to win helped the team lift India's first women's World Cup trophy in emphatic fashion eight years later.
Less than a year on, and within weeks of victories in the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, she has relinquished the captaincy, ending an era in which she became the team's most influential leader. Star opener Smriti Mandhana, her long-time deputy, has been appointed captain across all formats. The decision was ratified at a review meeting attended by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, coach Amol Muzumdar, Harmanpreet and Mandhana.
The transition was not entirely seamless. Reports suggest the 37-year-old Harmanpreet was willing to give up the T20 captaincy immediately but wanted to keep leading the side in One-Day Internationals and Tests so younger players could benefit from her experience. The BCCI, however, wanted a younger person at the helm and opted for the 30-year-old Mandhana. Her form with the bat had also drawn concern after India's below-par showing at the T20 World Cup in England, and opinion among former players was sharply divided.
Sensing the BCCI's strong inclination towards change, Harmanpreet stepped down during the review meeting. In an emotional Instagram post she wrote, "I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had." She added that she was ready to play for the love of the game again. Her intention to keep playing now leaves the BCCI with another decision about her future, and replacing a player of her experience may not be straightforward given the still-developing talent pipeline in women's cricket.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing