Photo via BBC Sport

Stumped: What legacy does India's Harmanpreet Kaur leave?

India’s Harmanpreet Kaur concludes her captaincy after leading the team to victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, securing the trophy in a final against South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Her tenure as skipper marks a transformative era for Indian women’s cricket, blending aggressive leadership with tactical brilliance. With Smriti Mandhana now taking over the reins, the focus shifts to whether Mandhana can replicate Kaur’s success and maintain the team’s momentum in the post-World-Cup phase.

The transition coincides with Australia’s return to South Africa for a series that carries historical weight, particularly for Steve Smith, who was suspended and stripped of his captaincy during the 2018 ‘sandpapergate’ scandal. His comeback to the field raises questions about whether past controversies will resurface or if this tour represents a fresh start.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, once discovered through a fast-bowling talent competition, is reviving the initiative to nurture emerging pace bowlers for both the Black Caps and White Ferns.

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