Harmanpreet Kaur has decided to step down as India women’s captain across all formats despite being given the option to continue leading the team in ODIs, according to a report in Cricbuzz.

The veteran batter announced her decision after a review meeting with the BCCI on Monday. She had been under pressure following calls for a change in leadership, but the board reportedly gave her the choice of continuing in one format.

Harmanpreet Had Option To Continue In ODIs

According to the report, the BCCI was willing to let Harmanpreet continue as India’s ODI captain while giving up the T20I leadership.

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With women’s cricket having fewer Test matches, the 50-over format was seen as the most likely option for her to retain the captaincy. However, Harmanpreet decided not to continue as captain in either format.

The development came after a review meeting in Guwahati on Monday. Harmanpreet attended the meeting along with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia chaired the meeting.

BCCI Looks To Build Team Around Smriti Mandhana

The BCCI is now reportedly looking to build the women’s team around Mandhana, who has been Harmanpreet’s deputy for several years.

According to the report, the board wants Mandhana to lead the team into the next major cycle, which includes the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics.

A formal announcement regarding the new captain is expected after the selectors meet to pick India’s squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe series.

Mandhana Set To Take Over As Captain

The women’s selection committee, led by Amita Sharma, is expected to meet soon. Mandhana is reportedly in line to take over as India’s new captain, with an announcement expected shortly after the selectors’ meeting.

The selectors have been called to Guwahati to pick the squad for India’s six-match white-ball series against Zimbabwe.

There has also been no official information on whether chief selector Amita Sharma attended Monday’s review meeting. Her reported absence, however, has not led to the same controversy that followed chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s absence from the men’s review meeting in Mumbai in September.

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Historic Zimbabwe Series Ahead

India’s upcoming series against Zimbabwe will also be significant for women’s cricket. It is expected to be the first bilateral tour by the Zimbabwe women’s team to India.

With a new captain expected to take charge, the series could mark the beginning of a new phase for the Indian women’s team.