Chandigarh, Oct. 7 -- Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats after the BCCI informed her that a leadership transition was necessary. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was named India captain later on Tuesday evening. The 37-year-old's decision follows a review meeting with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia in Guwahati, where Harmanpreet and Mandhana were told that selectors favoured a change with an eye on the future. However, a BCCI official told HT that Harmanpreet was still keen on holding the role and continuing in all formats. Later, Harmanpreet admitted that her T20 batting form had not been the best and she felt that she could step down and give the younger generation a chance. But she wanted to continue leading in the ODI and Test formats. BCCI, however, remained firm on its call. On Tuesday, Harmanpreet announced her decision on Instagram, ending a leadership stint that began nearly a decade ago and included India's historic ODI World Cup triumph last year. After India team's exit in the 2026 T20 World Cup in England, there was strong indications from the selectors to bring about this change to the BCCI. "Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team across all formats. This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life," Harmanpreet wrote. "Now, I'm ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey continues," she added. Harmanpreet first took over India's T20I captaincy from Mithali Raj in 2016 and subsequently became the team's leader across formats. Her biggest achievement came in 2025 when India won their first ODI World Cup title on home soil, beating South Africa in the final. Mandhana, one of the most experienced players in the India team, has been handed leadership after being part of the national setup since 2013. She has previously led India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs. The 30-year-old has also enjoyed considerable success as a leader in franchise cricket, guiding RCB to WPL titles in 2024 and 2026. "Being given the responsibility of leading India is a very special honour. Representing India has always meant a great deal to me, and to now have the opportunity to lead the team," Mandhana said in a BCCI release....