India's ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a heartbreak. Australia defeated Harmanpreet Kaur-led side by six wickets at Lord's, London, ending their chances of reaching the semifinals. While Harmanpreet scored a valiant 27-ball 56 to push India's score to 170/4, there were questions being asked about her captaincy, whether the 37-year-old will continue to lead in T20Is. India head coach Amol Muzumdar was asked the question in the press conference after the defeat in last group stage game.
“It’s up to the selectors to decide the captain. I think yes. I want my short and sweet answer would be yes,” Muzumdar told the media after the match.
This was Harmanpreet's sixth T20 World Cup as captain. Her best result as captain was the final in the 2020 edition where they lost to Australia. In 2018 and 2023, India advanced to semifinals but lost to England and Australia respectively. Since 2023, India haven't made it past the group stage.
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Harmanpreet to lead in Champions Trophy, next T20 World Cup?
Smriti Mandhana is the vice-captain of the team. She has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles. But, Harmanpreet is all set to lead India in another major tournament. In Asian Games 2026, she has already been named captain.
However, it is yet to be seen whether the selectors will stick with her for the next two big events after the Asian Games 2026. The next major T20 tournament will be the ICC Champions Trophy 2027. which will be played in February on Sri Lankan soil. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 will be played in Pakistan but it will follow a hybrid model considering the differences between the two neighbouring countries.
India’s next T20I series
After the Asian Games 2026 in September, India’s first T20I series is likely to be against Zimbabwe. In October, India host Zimbabwe for three T20Is and as many ODIs. The picture for Harmanpreet’s captaincy future will be much clearer by then until she decides to step down on her own. In the meantime, a review of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is likely to take place.