Former India great Diana Edulji has urged a change in leadership in Indian women’s cricket, making a ‘humble request’ to Harmanpreet Kaur to relinquish the captaincy and allow Smriti Mandhana to take over before it is too late.
Edulji feels India, the reigning world champions, need to start planning for the next generation ahead of the 2029 ODI World Cup.
She believes Mandhana should be given an extended opportunity in the leadership role, while younger players are prepared to take on greater responsibilities in the future.
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“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 said.
Jemimah And Shafali For Bigger Roles
Edulji also proposed Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma as potential vice-captains, with the duo to be groomed for larger leadership responsibilities in the future.
Harmanpreet continues to lead India at the Asian Games 2026, with the women’s cricket competition scheduled from September 17 to 22. India are set to take on Japan in the quarterfinals on September 18.
It Is Overdue
Debate around Harmanpreet’s leadership emerged soon after India’s historic 2025 World Cup triumph, when former India captain Shantha Rangaswamy said a change at the helm was 'overdue.'
“It is overdue. Because Harman, as a batter and a fielder, is brilliant. Yes. But tactically, she can fumble at times… When it comes after a success like this (World Cup win), it will not be taken well, but in the interest of Indian cricket and in Harman’s own interest, I think she can contribute much more as a batter without the burden of captaincy," Rangaswamy said at the time.
The discussion has intensified amid Harmanpreet’s struggles for consistency, particularly in T20 cricket. Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, she had responded to questions about her captaincy and has not indicate that she intends to step down.
