Harmanpreet Kaur quits as India women's captain in all formats; Smriti Mandhana likely successor

Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team. On Tuesday she resigned the captaincy in all formats, announcing it herself in a social media post. Harmanpreet, who has led India in all three formats, is a senior member of the team, known for aggressive batting, fighting spirit on the field and standing by the side in pressure moments.

The decision has caused a stir in the cricket world as it came unexpectedly. Harmanpreet resigned just a day after a review meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The meeting was held in Guwahati on Monday and was attended by coach Amol Muzumdar and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.

Harmanpreet is regarded as one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian women's cricket. Under her leadership, the Indian women's team won the Women's ODI World Cup for the first time last year, making history. Her stepping down after such a major success has added to the talk around the decision.

With her resignation, attention has turned to who will be the team's new captain. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana's name is said to be the front-runner, and she is reportedly very likely to be the new captain. No official announcement has been made yet.

Mandhana has played for India for a long time and continues to shoulder responsibility as vice-captain. She has also captained the RCB side in the Women's Premier League, so she has experience as a captain.

The numbers also favour her. Mandhana has scored more than 4,000 runs in over 100 one-day internationals, including more than 8 centuries and more than 30 half-centuries. That is why her name is leading to take over the leadership of the Indian women's team after Harmanpreet's exit as captain.