After leading India to a second successive women’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games, Harmanpreet Kaur has once again ended a major tournament with a trophy in her hands. India beat Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final in Nagoya on Tuesday, with Smriti Mandhana’s 79 helping set up a commanding victory.
For Harmanpreet, it was another landmark moment in a captaincy career that has already delivered India’s maiden senior ICC title. It has also brought her to another natural point to consider handing over the baton to Mandhana.
Last year, she had what looked like the perfect opportunity. India won the Women’s ODI World Cup for the first time, finally ending their wait for a senior ICC trophy. Harmanpreet had led the team through years of near misses, and the triumph offered a fitting way to bring her captaincy stint to a close.
She chose to continue.
India subsequently suffered an early exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup, again raising questions over whether it was time for Harmanpreet to step down. But she remained in charge. Now, after another gold medal, she has another opportunity to leave the role on a high.
India have two years before the Los Angeles Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup. That gives the team enough time to prepare for a change in leadership and develop the players who could shape its next era.
HARMANPREET’S LEGACY IS ALREADY SECURE
Any discussion about succession should begin with what Harmanpreet has already accomplished.
She has been one of the defining figures of Indian women’s cricket, from her iconic 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final to leading India to World Cup glory on home soil.
The Asian Games gold adds another major achievement to that record. If she decides to step down now, she would not be leaving because her contribution has diminished. She would be choosing the timing of the next phase.
Diana Edulji believes India should stop delaying that transition.
“We are holding back Smriti Mandhana for a long time. By the time the next World Cup comes along, Harman will be nearing 40, so let’s give a good run to Smriti and look at two youngsters as vice-captains. My humble request to Harman would be to let people ask why and not why not,” Edulji told Mid-Day.
The former India captain’s argument is also about succession beyond Mandhana. India’s next captain should have time to establish herself, while the team should simultaneously identify players who can eventually take on leadership responsibilities.
That process becomes easier when a change is planned rather than forced by circumstances.
MANDHANA HAS ALREADY PUT HER HAND UP
Mandhana is the obvious candidate to take over, having been part of India’s leadership group for years.
She has captained India in Harmanpreet’s absence and gained significant experience in franchise cricket as the leader of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League.
Her leadership credentials have been strengthened by success with RCB, while her position within the Indian dressing room has long been established.
Mandhana has also made her intentions clear.
“Yes, of course. I am ready,” she said when asked if she was ready to captain India.
The left-hander would therefore not be starting from scratch if handed the job. She already understands the senior group and has spent years operating alongside Harmanpreet.
The challenge would be to make that leadership role her own and shape the team in her own way.
NIKI PRASAD LEADS THE NEXT WAVE
While Mandhana represents the immediate succession option, India also need to look further ahead. The team will eventually need players capable of taking on greater responsibility as Harmanpreet moves towards the latter stages of her career.
Niki Prasad is one youngster who has continued to make a strong case since captaining India to the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup title.
She has already completed two seasons in the Women’s Premier League for Delhi Capitals and recently impressed during India A’s series against Australia A.
In New Chandigarh, Prasad smashed 54 off 31 balls in a T20, producing an attacking innings after India had slipped into trouble. She also contributed with the ball.
She then made an unbeaten 32 in the first one-day match against Australia A as India won by four wickets.
Prasad’s versatility is one of her biggest strengths. She can bat in different positions and adjust to the demands of the situation, while her previous experience as a captain gives her an additional dimension.
Vrinda Dinesh is another player who has caught the eye. She struck 69 off 41 balls against Australia A, showcasing her ability to score quickly in the middle order.
Anushka Sharma is another option India can explore. The all-rounder provides batting depth and an additional bowling option, making her a useful player to assess as the squad evolves.
For all three, the priority now should be exposure. They need opportunities against stronger opposition to establish whether their domestic and India A form can translate to the senior level.
ZIMBABWE OFFERS A LOW-PRESSURE START
The upcoming home series against Zimbabwe could be an ideal setting for India to begin experimenting.
The squads are yet to be announced, giving the selectors an opportunity to decide how much of the established core they want to retain and where they can introduce fresh faces.
India can test different batting positions, combinations and bowling options without having to make every decision with a knockout game in mind. Players who have performed well for India A can be given a taste of the senior environment, while established members can be managed according to the team’s longer-term requirements.
The series can also provide an early indication of how India want to approach the period leading into the 2028 T20 World Cup.
For Harmanpreet, the Asian Games gold has once again created a fitting exit point. Whether she chooses to take it is a decision only she and the team management can make.
But unlike last year, India now have a clear window in which to prepare for whatever comes next.
Harmanpreet can choose to continue chasing more milestones. Or she can leave the captaincy with an ODI World Cup and two Asian Games gold medals attached to her tenure.
Either way, Indian women’s cricket must ensure that the next generation is not left waiting for its turn.
– Ends
