The historic triumph of India’s women’s cricket team at the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup has sparked a passionate debate—not about the victory itself, but about who should lead the side next. At the center of it all is Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain who finally delivered India its first-ever Women’s World Cup title at age 36.
While fans celebrate, voices from within the cricketing establishment are split. Should Harmanpreet “finish on a high,” as former captain Shantha Rangaswamy suggests? Or does she still have the fire—and fitness—to chase more ICC glory, as ex-coach Tushar Arothe insists?
In a recent exclusive interview, former head coach Tushar Arothe called the 2017 Women’s World Cup “like a green revolution” for Indian women’s cricket. Though India fell short in the final against England, that tournament was the catalyst. It brought visibility, investment, and belief.
“Before 2017, we were invisible,” Arothe recalled. “After? Everyone wanted to play. Parents stopped saying ‘cricket isn’t for girls.’ Stadiums filled up. That final loss hurt—but it planted the seed for 2025’s victory.”
Since taking over the ODI captaincy in 2017, Harmanpreet Kaur has led India through highs and lows—but her impact is undeniable.
| Metric | Record as Captain (ODIs) |
|---|---|
| Matches | 78 |
| Wins | 42 |
| Win % | 53.8% |
| World Cup Finals | 2 (2017, 2025) |
| Asia Cup Titles | 1 (2022) |
Her leadership in the 2025 final—calm under pressure, backing young spinners, and managing Harmanpreet the batter vs. Harmanpreet the captain—was masterful.
India’s first women’s Test captain, Shantha Rangaswamy, believes Harmanpreet’s story should end on this high note. “At 36, she’s given everything,” Rangaswamy said. “Why risk a decline? Let her walk away with the trophy in her hands, not questions in the air.”
She champions Smriti Mandhana—a consistent top-order batter with experience leading in the Women’s Premier League (WPL)—as the ideal next captain. “Smriti has the temperament, the visibility, and the respect of the dressing room.”
But Arothe strongly disagrees. “Age is just a number if the mind is sharp and the body responds,” he argues. “Harmanpreet’s fitness levels are elite. She’s hungrier than ever. The T20 World Cup 2026 and 2029 ODI World Cup? She can win both.”
He points to global examples: Meg Lanning retired at 31 but returned; Heather Knight still leads England at 34. “Leadership isn’t about youth—it’s about clarity.”
While Mandhana is the frontrunner, insiders say vice-captain Deepti Sharma and all-rounder Renuka Singh Thakur also have strong support. Yet Mandhana’s global brand, consistent performances, and calm demeanor make her the logical choice—if Harmanpreet steps aside.
For now, Harmanpreet remains non-committal. In a post-victory presser, she simply said, “I’ll talk to the board and my family. This trophy is for every girl who was told ‘no.’”
Whatever her decision, one thing is clear: Indian women’s cricket is no longer waiting for permission to lead. The revolution is here—and it’s wearing blue.
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