Mithali Raj’s Blunt Take On Harmanpreet Kaur’s Exit [Source: AFP]In a shocking call, Harmanpreet Kaur decided to step down as India Women’s team captain from all formats. However, ex-captain Mithali Raj felt the captaincy transition should have happened much earlier.During a crucial BCCI meeting, Kaur offered her resignation as captain. Accordingly, the board went ahead to appoint Smriti Mandhana as India Women’s new all format captain.Mithali Raj backs India Women’s captaincy transitionThe announcement definitely left the fans in shock as Harmanpreet Kaur has been one of India's most successful captains. She led the women’s team to maiden ODI World Cup title in 2025 and had previously secured multiple Asia Cup titles as well.However, former India captain Mithali Raj felt India needed a fresh mindset. In a chat with Hindustan Times, she said that Harmanpreet Kaur should have stepped down much earlier and passed the baton Smriti Mandhana.“India needed a fresh mindset and that was clearly visible. In fact, the decision could have come a little earlier, perhaps. Smriti has been the vice-captain for quite some time now, so she understands the team and the environment very well,” Mithali said.ALSO READSmriti Mandhana Clears The Air On Harmanpreet Kaur With Special GestureNotably, Mithali Raj also acknowledged Harmanpreet Kaur’s legacy as captain. But at the same time, she feels the time is right for India to enforce a transition.“Harmanpreet has had a remarkable run as captain and has contributed immensely to Indian women’s cricket. It is important to acknowledge that when you talk about a change in leadership. But every team goes through a transition at some point, and I feel this is the right time for India to look ahead,” she added.Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy careerInterestingly, Smriti Mandhana is not totally unfamiliar with the captaincy role. In WPL, she led RCBW to maiden title in 2024 season followed by a second title victory in 2026.Overall, Mandhana led RCBW in 35 WPL games out of which the team won 18 games and lost 17. In international cricket, she captained India in 18 T20Is and 4 ODIs.Hence, it’s safe to say that Smriti Mandhana was the obvious and deserving candidate to replace Harmanpreet Kaur. But she had big shoes to fill and the journey ahead will test her true character as a sportsperson.ALSO READILT20 2026 Full Schedule Announced
