ODI World Cup:<\/b> Former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami paid tribute to Harmanpreet Kaur after she stepped down as India women\u2019s captain across formats, lauding her courage and conviction while urging her to continue enjoying the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harmanpreet, who led India to their maiden senior women\u2019s ODI World Cup title, announced her decision to relinquish captaincy earlier this week. Smriti Mandhana has since been appointed as India\u2019s new captain, while Harmanpreet remains part of the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLeadership is never just about wearing the captain\u2019s badge \u2014 it\u2019s about carrying the hopes of a team, standing tall through the highs and lows, and leaving the game stronger than you found it,\u201d Goswami wrote in a social media post.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India pacer praised Harmanpreet for the courage and conviction with which she led the side through some of its most significant moments. \u201cHarmanpreet, you have done that with immense courage, strength, and conviction, leading Indian women\u2019s cricket through some truly incredible moments and carrying the responsibility with pride,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goswami said Harmanpreet\u2019s decision to step away from captaincy marked the beginning of a new chapter and hoped she would now be able to play with greater freedom. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs you step away from captaincy and into this new chapter, choosing to continue simply for the love of the game, I hope you enjoy every moment of it,\u201d she wrote. \u201cHere\u2019s to playing with freedom, passion and the same spirit that has always made you a champion,\u201d Goswami added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goswami concluded her tribute by urging Harmanpreet to continue enjoying the game after handing over the leadership responsibilities. \u201cWishing you the very best, Captain. Keep inspiring, keep playing, and most importantly, keep enjoying the game,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harmanpreet had served as India\u2019s full-time T20I captain since 2018 and took over as ODI captain from Mithali Raj in 2022. During her tenure, she led India to their maiden senior women\u2019s ODI World Cup title, with the team defeating South Africa in the final on home soil.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also guided India to four Asia Cup titles in 2012, 2016, 2022 and 2026, besides leading the side to consecutive Asian Games gold medals in Hangzhou in 2022 and Aichi-Nagoya in 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harmanpreet\u2019s other notable achievements as captain include leading India to their first bilateral Women\u2019s ODI series win in England since 1999 in 2022, a historic Test victory against Australia in 2023 and a breakthrough T20I series victory against England in 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also guided India to four Asia Cup titles in 2012, 2016, 2022 and 2026, besides leading the side to consecutive Asian Games gold medals in Hangzhou in 2022 and Aichi-Nagoya in 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n