After leading India to their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup, a debate sparks on Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy future. Former coach Tushar Arothe weighs in.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captaincy: After World Cup Glory, What’s Next for India’s Leader?

The cricketing world is still buzzing from India’s historic triumph at the Women’s ODI World Cup. A packed DY Patil Stadium witnessed Captain Harmanpreet Kaur lead her team to their maiden title, etching her name in the annals of Indian cricket history.

Yet, amidst the celebrations, a compelling question has emerged: Should Harmanpreet, at 36, consider stepping down from captaincy, or is she poised for even greater glory?

The Baton Debate: Should Harmanpreet Continue as Captain?

The question of Harmanpreet Kaur’s future as captain has ignited a spirited discussion among experts and fans.

Former India captain Shantha Rangaswamy openly suggested that Harmanpreet should pass the leadership baton to Smriti Mandhana. Rangaswamy believes this move could allow Harmanpreet to flourish further without the added pressure of captaincy.

However, former India women’s team head coach Tushar Arothe offers a contrasting perspective. He firmly believes Harmanpreet still has much to offer and can lead India to “a couple more ICC trophies,” drawing parallels to the likes of Rohit Sharma.

A Legacy Forged: Harmanpreet Among India’s Elite Captains

With this historic World Cup triumph, Harmanpreet Kaur has joined an exclusive club of Indian captains.

She now stands alongside legends like Kapil Dev, who led India to the 1983 ODI World Cup, and MS Dhoni, the architect of the 2011 ODI World Cup victory. Her name is now synonymous with ultimate cricketing success.

MS Dhoni holds a unique record across both men’s and women’s cricket, having clinched three ICC trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma is hot on his heels, recently guiding India to two ICC titles in quick succession: the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. The question remains: can Harmanpreet emulate their sustained success?

Tushar Arothe’s Endorsement: “She Can Lead India to More ICC Titles”

Tushar Arothe, who coached the Indian women’s team just months before their 2017 World Cup final appearance, is a staunch supporter of Harmanpreet’s continued leadership.

“Why not? As long as she continues this form and performance, Harmanpreet can certainly lead India to a couple more ICC titles in the future,” Arothe told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.

Arothe fondly recalled Harmanpreet’s early days, noting her immense talent and match-winning ability since her debut in 2009. He highlighted her crucial 2017 semi-final knock against Australia as a testament to her prowess.

“Over time, she has grown as a captain — she started believing in her players, believing in herself — and that’s how she has evolved. She’s doing a fantastic job now,” he added, praising her leadership journey.

From Heartbreak to History: The 2017 Journey and “Green Revolution”

The 2025 World Cup victory wasn’t just a win; it was the culmination of years of effort and a journey that began, in some ways, with heartbreak.

Arothe vividly remembers the painful nine-run defeat to England in the 2017 World Cup final at Lord’s. “We lost narrowly — by just nine runs — and it still hurts… At one point, we were cruising, but then the wickets started falling,” he shared.

Only three players from that 2017 squad—Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Smriti Mandhana—were part of the victorious 2025 final, finally turning dreams into reality.

Arothe views the 2017 tournament as a catalyst, calling it a “green revolution” for women’s cricket in India. This surge in interest has led to significant advancements:

• More girls taking up the sport professionally.
• Increased belief among parents in cricket as a career path for women.
• Growth in the number of women cricketers and heightened competition.
• BCCI’s commendable steps, including matching match fees with men.
• Introduction of under-15 and under-19 one-day and T20 tournaments, providing crucial platforms.

“We really need to appreciate BCCI for all their efforts,” Arothe emphasized, acknowledging the pivotal role of the board.

The Road to the Final: Australia’s Demise and Key Performers

The journey to the World Cup title was paved with challenging encounters, none more thrilling than the semi-final clash against mighty Australia.

Despite Australia posting a formidable 338, India orchestrated a remarkable chase. An unbeaten 127 off 134 balls from Jemimah Rodrigues, coupled with a crucial 89 from Harmanpreet Kaur, ensured India chased down the record total with surprising ease.

“Chasing 300 runs is a record, isn’t it? Scoring over 300 and winning against Australia in a one-day game was such an important moment for us. That win made the players believe in themselves, and they carried that confidence into the final. I would say that victory had already sealed the World Cup for us,” Arothe reflected.

Arothe also lauded Deepti Sharma for her consistent brilliance across departments. “She has been a brilliant cricketer all these years… a fantastic fielder, a good off-spinner, and a utility batter,” he noted, highlighting her versatility as a true team player.

Conclusion: Harmanpreet’s Horizon and India’s Golden Era

Harmanpreet Kaur stands at a pivotal juncture in her illustrious career. While the debate around her captaincy continues, her place in Indian cricketing history is firmly secured as a World Cup-winning leader.

With the Indian women’s team brimming with talent and the BCCI’s continued support, the future looks exceptionally bright. Whether Harmanpreet leads them to more ICC glory or transitions to a player role, her impact on this “green revolution” of Indian women’s cricket will be everlasting.

The question of what’s next for Harmanpreet and the team remains excitingly open, promising more thrilling chapters in Indian cricket.