In the pantheon of Indian cricket legends, Harmanpreet Kaur stands as a towering figure who has redefined what it means to lead from the front. At 35, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team continues to shatter barriers and create history, most recently becoming the first captain to win multiple WPL trophies when she led Mumbai Indians to their second title in March 2025.
The Making of a Champion
Born in Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet’s journey to cricket stardom wasn’t without its challenges. Early in her career, she faced the harsh realities that many women cricketers encounter – financial struggles, limited opportunities, and moments of doubt that almost made her abandon the sport altogether. The path to becoming India’s premier all-rounder was paved with perseverance and an unwavering belief in her abilities.
Her breakthrough came when she made her international debut, but it was her explosive batting style and astute leadership that truly set her apart. She became the first Indian women cricketer to score a century in Women’s T20 Internationals, achieving this milestone against New Zealand in the 2018 T20 World Cup, a feat that announced her arrival on the global stage in emphatic fashion.
Leadership Under Pressure
Harmanpreet’s captaincy has been marked by her ability to perform when it matters most. Her leadership was on full display during the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she scored 150 runs in four matches at an average of 150, having been dismissed just once. Her performances throughout the tournament earned her a place in the tournament’s Team of the Tournament, making her the only Indian player to receive this honor.
The captain’s approach to leadership extends beyond mere statistics. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to marshal her troops during crucial moments, whether it’s her blistering unbeaten 29 that led India to victory against Pakistan or her strategic acumen in high-pressure situations.
The WPL Pioneer
Harmanpreet’s influence transcends international cricket. As the captain of Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League, she has been instrumental in elevating the standard of domestic women’s cricket in India. Bought for a whopping INR 1.80 crore in the inaugural season, she led the side to the title while finishing as MI’s second-highest run scorer.
Her success in the WPL has been nothing short of phenomenal. After leading Mumbai Indians to the inaugural WPL title, she repeated the feat in 2025, cementing her status as not just a great player but an exceptional leader who knows how to build winning cultures.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Beyond individual accolades, Harmanpreet represents something larger – the evolution of women’s cricket in India. She is the only Indian women cricketer who has scored more than 3,000 runs in T20 internationals, a testament to her consistency and longevity at the highest level.
Her impact extends beyond the boundary ropes. As one of the senior-most players in the Indian setup, she has mentored a generation of cricketers who look up to her not just for her on-field exploits but for her professionalism and dedication to the sport.
The Road Ahead
As Harmanpreet continues to lead India in various formats, her focus remains on achieving the ultimate prize – a World Cup victory for India. Her recent performances suggest that age is just a number for this remarkable athlete who continues to evolve her game and adapt to different conditions and formats.
With Harmanpreet set to captain the Indian team during upcoming tours and Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain, the Indian women’s cricket team appears to be in capable hands as they prepare for future challenges.
Legacy in the Making
Harmanpreet Kaur’s story is far from over. Each innings she plays, each match she captains, and each young player she inspires adds another layer to a legacy that will be remembered long after she hangs up her boots. In a sport where leadership is often measured by trophies and statistics, Harmanpreet has redefined success by becoming a symbol of resilience, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Her journey from a young girl in Punjab with cricket dreams to becoming the face of Indian women’s cricket is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets determination. As she continues to lead from the front, both literally and figuratively, Harmanpreet Kaur remains an unstoppable force in world cricket – a captain, a champion, and an inspiration for generations to come.
