3 candidates who could replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain

Harmanpreet Kaur announced her resignation as India women's captain across all three formats on October 6, 2026, with immediate effect via an Instagram post. She had captained India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is, becoming the only cricketer, male or female, to lead their side in more than 150 T20I matches.

Harmanpreet's final assignment as skipper came two weeks before her announcement, when she led India to a second consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games, having also won gold in 2023 in Hangzhou. She will continue as a specialist batter after stepping down. The BCCI is now expected to name a new captain, and several names have emerged as credible options.

3 candidates who could replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain

3. Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Rodrigues is 26 years old and represents the next generation of Indian women's cricket. She has been a consistent performer in white-ball cricket and brings energy and composure to the middle order. While she has not held a formal leadership role at the international level, her performances across formats have kept her in contention for senior responsibilities. Her age and experience make her a longer-term option for the captaincy, and the BCCI may consider her as part of a broader succession plan for the Indian women's team.