India name Mandhana as Harmanpreet's replacement as captain

India's World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down from the role across all three formats, with Smriti Mandhana named as her successor.Harmanpreet, 37, led India to their first-ever global women's title at the 2025 50-over World Cup on home soil. She is only the third Indian captain, after men's players Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, to guide a team to victory in that event. Latest Sky Sports deals or stream no contract with NOWListen to latest episode of the Sky Sports Cricket PodcastHer last act in charge was steering her country to a second straight Asian Games gold last month, with India thrashing Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final. Image: Harmanpreet led India in 211 matches across the formats Harmanpreet captained in five Tests, 51 one-day internationals and 155 T20 internationals. India wasted little time in announcing Mandhana as her successor, having already captained the team in 18 T20Is and four ODIs during her time as Harmanpreet's deputy. The left-handed opener, 30, recently became the top run-scorer in women's international cricket, while she also boasts the most centuries (18) in women's cricket across formats. Image: Smriti Mandhana has been named India's new captain across formats 'I have given everything I had to this team'Writing on Instagram, Harmanpreet said: "This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life."I have given everything 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."There were moments when I had to put my individual performance, my own growth, and what I wanted for myself aside, because I believed the team had to come first."As a captain, I have had to make difficult decisions. Decisions that were not always understood, not always easy, and sometimes came at a personal cost. Image: India beat South Africa in the 2025 World Cup final "But every decision I made was with one intention - to make this team better and to give other players the opportunity to grow, believe in themselves and become the best versions of themselves."I leave the captaincy with a heart full of emotions but also with peace. Because I genuinely believe my team is in a good place. A team with talent, character, belief and a future that I am incredibly excited to watch and be a part of."I feel I have done my duty. I gave this team everything I had. I carried the responsibility with pride, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of leading Indian women's cricket."'Captaincy ends, the journey continues'Harmanpreet's final Test as captain was the 270-run drubbing of England at Lord's in July, the first women's Test to be held at the ground.She became T20 captain in 2016 and added the Test and ODI roles when Mithali Raj retired in 2022. Image: Harmanpreet is now ready to 'play for the love of the game again' Harmanpreet added: "Captaincy may end today, but my love for Indian cricket never will."Blood. Sweat. Sacrifice. Pride. I gave it all. Now, I'm ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues."Mandhana: Captaining India a very special honourUpon her appointment as India's new captain, Mandhana said: "To be given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour."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."I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet and the contribution she has made as captain over the years. She has led the team with great commitment and has been an important part of our journey."I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian Cricket forward."India will host Zimbabwe for three T20 internationals and as many ODIs from October 16 before a tour of South Africa in December that is live on Sky Sports.