NEW DELHI: Harmanpreet Kaur may have led India to their maiden Women’s World Cup title with a 52-run win over South Africa in the final on November 2, but that hasn’t stopped calls for her removal as captain.

Former India captain Shantha Rangaswamy reignited the debate by suggesting that Harmanpreet should pass on the captaincy to Smriti Mandhana, emphasizing that the move would serve the team’s long-term interests.

Rangaswamy added that stepping down from the leadership role could actually benefit Harmanpreet, allowing her to focus on her strengths as a batter and fielder while continuing to be a vital part of the side.

Rangaswamy’s remarks drew mixed reactions, with former India captain Anjum Chopra expressing her displeasure, noting that calls to remove Harmanpreet as captain seem to surface every time – regardless of whether India win or lose a tournament.

“After every World Cup, there’s one statement like this that comes out. Pick out the last four or five World Cups and you can see how many times these kinds of statements have been made. When India lose a tournament, they say Harman should be removed. When India win a tournament, they say Harman should be removed,” Anjum told NDTV.

“So, these kinds of statements are given every time. I seriously don’t want to comment on this right now as it would spoil the moment of India’s victory,” she added.

Harmanpreet and Anjum share a close bond. After lifting the World Cup trophy, the Indian captain acknowledged Anjum’s unwavering support during the early stages of her career.

Reflecting on Harmanpreet’s journey, Anjum said, “When I saw her on the first day she played domestic cricket with us. Later, we were all in an Indian camp, playing a Challenger Trophy tournament in Mumbai in 2007-08. I immediately noticed how talented she was-an under-19 player who could hit the ball a long way. I was certain that she was special.”

“I played with her in domestic cricket before she joined the Indian team. The kind of skill Harman showcased in those few outings impressed me greatly. From Day 1 until today, not even for a moment have I ever thought she is not a match-winner. That’s why I have always been vocal over the years that Harman should be our captain,” she added.