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Harmanpreet Kaur has been named as captain of the Indian women's team for the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Wednesday. Harmanpreet's appointment follows erstwhile captain Mithali Raj announcing her retirement from international cricket on the same day. Mithali's this announcement brings an end to her 23-year-long career.
Image - India Ahead
Also Read: Mithali Raj announces retirement from all forms of cricket
The tour will consist of a three-match T20I series that will be played from June 23 to 27 in Dambulla. This will be followed by a three-match ODI series that is scheduled for July 1 to July 7 in Kandy.
Harmanpreet had earlier replaced Mithali as India's T20I captain after the latter had retired from the format in September 2019. Meanwhile, the BCCI named her as captain for the Sri Lanka tour, it did not specify if she will be taking up the role permanently. Also, this will extend to the Indian Test squad as well.
Harmanpreet Kaur had earlier paid tribute to her former captain on Twitter.
"Cricket is a dream and when I started off my career I had no idea that women's cricket existed but the only name ever told or heard was yours @M_Raj03 Di. You sewed the seed for all the young girls to take up this sport and dream big. Wish you the best in life," said the 33-year-old.
The tweet of Harmanpreet Kaur after Mithali's international retirement
Cricket is a dream and when I started off my career I had no idea that women’s cricket existed but the only name ever told or heard was yours @M_Raj03 Di. You sewed the seed for all the young girls to take up this sport and dream big. Wish you the best in life. pic.twitter.com/pWZ9UHcKN3
— Harmanpreet Kaur (@ImHarmanpreet) June 8, 2022
Read Also: IND vs SA: KL Rahul ruled out of the T20I series, Rishabh Pant to lead
"Thank you for all your love & support over the years! I look forward to my 2nd innings with your blessing and support,"
"I feel now is the perfect time to call curtains on my playing career as the team is in the capable hands of some very talented young players and the future of Indian Cricket is bright."
Mithali Raj said in her statement
On Wednesday Mithali Raj retired not only as the most-capped India women's cricketer of all time but also as the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket. She has amassed 10,868 runs from 333 appearances for India.