Cricket fans were shocked on Tuesday when Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as the captain of the India women’s cricket team. The 37-year-old posted a long message on her Instagram handle announcing her decision. It came at a time when the Women in Blue were set to celebrate their first anniversary of the ODI World Cup win.

Kaur led the side to their eighth Asia Cup title win and followed it up by defending the Asian Games gold medal. In both finals, India defeated Sri Lanka by a massive margin.

Smriti Mandhana has been named as the new captain of the side for all three formats. According to an NDTV report, it is speculated that India’s biggest match-winners aren’t seeing eye to eye, and that led to huge friction behind the scenes.

The publication also reported how BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Kaur that a change in captaincy was ‘inevitable’ during the review meeting on Monday before the veteran stepped down a day later.

NDTV quoted a source as saying, “They were not seeing eye to eye for a while now, and that led to an obvious unease in the dressing room.” It was believed that Mandhana was ready to lead the side after helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru win two Women’s Premier League titles.

“Special Honour”: Smriti Mandhana reacts to her new role

After being named the captain, Smriti was quoted by the Times of India as saying, “To be given the task of leading India is a very special honour. It has always meant a great deal for me to play for the national side and now the chance to captain the national team is something I value deeply.”

She added, “I would also like to acknowledge Harmanpreet’s contributions as a captain over the years.

She led the team with great commitment, and she has been an important part of our journey.” BCCI president Mithun Manhas congratulated the new captain. “I would like to congratulate Smriti on being entrusted with the captaincy of the women’s cricket team. She has been an important member of the side for a while and has qualities needed to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be the key as she takes on this role.”