MUMBAI: Amid growing calls for a leadership change in Indian women’s cricket, former India captain Anjum Chopra has backed Harmanpreet Kaur to continue leading the side, insisting she remains the best person for the job despite recent scrutiny over her form.Harmanpreet scored 71 runs in five matches at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai, where India lifted a record-extending eighth title. With the skipper now 37 and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana 30, suggestions of a transition in leadership have gathered momentum.Chopra, however, believes Harmanpreet remains India’s best captain. “People keep talking about changing the captain, but somebody has to lead every Indian team. As of now, Harmanpreet is the best captain to lead India,” Chopra told TOI.While acknowledging that Harmanpreet’s batting in Dubai fell below expectations, Chopra warned against judging the veteran solely on recent returns. “We always expect a special innings from her, something that reminds us of the 171 not out she scored against Australia in the 2017 World Cup. But that won’t happen every time,” she said.Chopra is confident the experienced batter will rediscover her rhythm as India build towards the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027. “She knows fluency with the bat will be important going into major tournaments. The upcoming assignments, including the Asian Games and future bilateral series, will help her get there. She may be on the other side of 30, but India still need her services as captain and batter,” Chopra said.Fresh from an unbeaten Asia Cup campaign, India enter the Asian Games in Japan as defending champions and overwhelming favourites. Chopra believes adapting quickly to unfamiliar conditions will be their biggest challenge.“Understanding the pitches, environment and playing conditions will be crucial. On paper, India have a stronger side than the other Asian teams, but no tournament can be taken lightly. If they adapt well and play to their strengths, they should start as favourites,” she said.Chopra also praised Shafali Verma, who topped the scoring charts at the Asia Cup with 236 runs at a strike rate of 171.01 and three half-centuries.(Watch the Asian Games 2026 live and exclusive on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.)
