Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Mithali Raj Reflects on Harmanpreet Kaur’s Evolution as Captain
Mithali Raj talked about how Harmanpreet Kaur changed as a captain over time.
At first, Harmanpreet was more emotional and expressive.
As she gained experience, she became calmer and communicated more with her teammates.
She led India to its first Women’s World Cup win in 2025.
Harmanpreet has announced that she is stepping down as captain.
Raj thinks she can still help the team by sharing what she has learned.
Her role as a player will depend on where she can help most.
Raj also said the next leader, Smriti Mandhana, will have her own way of leading.
Mithali Raj said Harmanpreet Kaur became more senior and responsible after taking over ODI captaincy following the retirements of Raj and Jhulan Goswami.
Raj described Harmanpreet as more emotional and expressive early on, but calmer and more communicative with experience.
Harmanpreet led India to its first Women’s World Cup victory in 2025 and announced on Tuesday that she was stepping down as captain.
Raj said Harmanpreet could support the next leader and younger players, with her role depending on where she can contribute best.
Raj said Harmanpreet balanced data and preparation with instinct, while Smriti Mandhana would bring her own calmer leadership style.
- Who
- Mithali Raj discussed Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy and the team’s next leadership phase.
- What
- Raj described Harmanpreet’s development as a leader and discussed how she might contribute after stepping down as captain.
- When
- The interview followed Harmanpreet’s announcement on Tuesday that she was stepping down as captain; the article also refers to the 2025 World Cup.
- Where
- The interview was with The Indian Express; no interview location was specified.
- Why
- Raj was asked to assess Harmanpreet’s leadership evolution and what role she could play in the team going forward.
Harmanpreet’s Leadership
Mandhana’s Leadership
Leadership style
Harmanpreet’s Leadership
Harmanpreet’s style was more aggressive, emotional, and expressive, according to Raj.
Mandhana’s Leadership
Mandhana is calmer and more composed, and Raj said she would bring her own leadership style; neither style is inherently better.
Using information and instinct
Harmanpreet’s Leadership
Raj said Harmanpreet used data and preparation while also relying on experience and instinct.
Mandhana’s Leadership
Raj described Mandhana as a strong reader of the game who analyses situations and understands her players.
- Interviewee
- Mithali Raj
- Player discussed
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Captaincy transition
- Harmanpreet announced on Tuesday that she was stepping down as captain.
- World Cup achievement
- Harmanpreet led India to its first Women’s World Cup victory in 2025.
- Previous leadership
- Harmanpreet had led India’s T20I side from 2016.
- Potential successor
- Smriti Mandhana was identified as the current vice-captain and a possible next leader.
- Raj’s assessment
- She said Harmanpreet had become calmer, more communicative, and able to balance data with instinct.