Former skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said that the Indian women's cricket team is in safe hands and she has full confidence that Smriti Mandhana, who has taken over as the new captain, will lead the team forward on the path of victory. She made it clear that she is now stepping down from the captaincy after leading the team for more than a decade and that she will always have her full support for Smriti. Harmanpreet believes that her long-standing association and understanding with Smriti will be better for the team.

It is known that Harmanpreet announced that she is stepping down from the captaincy in all formats. She first took the reins in 2012 and gave the team many memorable victories under her leadership. Taking this decision became important after winning the gold medal in the recent Asian Games. However, she clarified that the decision was not due to any tournament result, but was a personal decision that was taken after a long time.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Harmanpreet shared her thoughts. "I have held the captaincy for over a decade with great respect. I have always put the interests of the team first. Now I want to enjoy my game more. I have decided to focus on my batting and spend time with my family and friends. However, I will always be available to the team with my experience as a senior player and mentor," she explained.

Talking about her bond with new captain Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet revealed, "I and Smriti have seen each other at key stages in our careers. From training to playing video games, we have many memories. We have a strong understanding. Now I will give my full support to her captaincy. We have built this team together. So I can definitely say that the trust and energy between us will continue."

When asked if captaincy has affected her personal batting, she replied, "As a captain, sometimes you have to put aside personal goals. The interests of the team should be given priority. I have never neglected my batting, but now I want to perform my role with more freedom and clarity." Harmanpreet said that her long-standing dream of winning the ODI World Cup has been fulfilled, which is why she is stepping down from her responsibilities with satisfaction without any regrets.

Talking about her future plans, Harmanpreet Kaur said, "The captaincy responsibility is over, but my journey as a cricketer continues. I will always have leadership qualities. The hunger to win more trophies for the country is still unquenched. I will try to give my best performance with the love and support of the fans. I am ready to excel with the ball when the team needs it.