India, Oct. 6 -- Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all formats, ending one of the longest captaincy stints in Indian women's cricket.

The veteran all-rounder announced her decision on Tuesday, saying she felt her responsibility as captain was complete and that she was ready to return to the game simply for the love of playing it.

"Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team across all formats," Harmanpreet said in a statement shared on Instagram.

Calling it a difficult decision, she said the role had given her years of memories, emotions, sacrifices and unforgettable moments.

"Now, I'm ready to play for the love of the game again. Captaincy ends. The journey con...