Harmanpreet Kaur created history on 19 February 2026 in Canberra, becoming the most-capped player in women’s international cricket with her 356th appearance for India during the second T20I against Australia. The 36-year-old captain surpassed New Zealand great Suzie Bates, who previously held the record with 355 matches, moving ahead of stalwarts such as Ellyse Perry and former India skipper Mithali Raj.
Although India suffered a narrow defeat that levelled the series, the milestone underscores Harmanpreet’s longevity, leadership and central role in India’s rise in women’s cricket. With 189 T20Is, 161 ODIs and six Tests since her 2009 debut, she now leads India into a decisive series clash in Australia and preparations for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England, buoyed by her recent ICC World Cup triumph and strong domestic form.
A Landmark Moment in Canberra
Harmanpreet’s record-breaking appearance came in India’s second T20I against Australia at Manuka Oval, Canberra a venue that has witnessed many fierce contests between the two sides. While the result did not go India’s way, with Australia clinching a competitive match to level the series, the evening belonged to the Indian captain, whose name now sits at the very top of international women’s cricket’s appearance charts.
Since making her debut in 2009 as a promising all-rounder from Punjab, Harmanpreet has evolved into one of the defining figures of the modern women’s game. Her 356 appearances span 189 Women’s T20 Internationals, 161 Women’s One Day Internationals and six Test matches, reflecting not only her adaptability across formats but also her physical resilience and mental endurance over nearly 17 years.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated her on social media, hailing her “extraordinary commitment to Indian cricket and inspirational leadership.” Head coach Amol Muzumdar also praised her consistency and influence in the dressing room, describing her as “a special player whose hunger to compete remains as strong as ever.” Harmanpreet herself struck a modest tone after the match, saying individual milestones are meaningful but “team success is always the bigger goal.”
Her ascent past Suzie Bates is particularly significant given the latter’s stature in world cricket. Bates remains an active and respected figure for New Zealand, yet India’s comparatively fuller international calendar in recent years has enabled Harmanpreet to edge ahead. The milestone also places her beyond Australia’s Ellyse Perry and India’s legendary former captain Mithali Raj, both icons in their own right.
From Promise to Pinnacle: A Journey of Grit and Growth
Harmanpreet’s journey has been marked by defining innings and transformative leadership. Her explosive 171* against Australia in the 2017 Women’s World Cup semi-final is often cited as a watershed moment for Indian women’s cricket a performance that shifted public perception and sparked nationwide conversations about investment and visibility in the women’s game.
Over the years, she has grown not only as a batter capable of match-defining knocks but also as a tactically astute captain. Her leadership reached its pinnacle recently when she guided India to their first ICC Women’s World Cup title on home soil a historic achievement that further strengthened her legacy. The triumph energised fans across the country and signalled a new era of belief within the squad.
Her form has remained red-hot beyond international duty. In the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Harmanpreet scored 342 runs in seven innings at an average of 68 and an impressive strike-rate of 150, demonstrating her ability to dominate even in high-pressure franchise settings. Such performances reflect a cricketer who continues to evolve technically and mentally, even in the later stages of her career.
Now, with the T20I series against Australia delicately poised and a multi-format tour including a three-match ODI series and a one-off Test in Perth, Harmanpreet’s leadership will again be tested. The upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England looms large on the horizon, and India will look to channel the confidence gained from their recent World Cup victory into success in the shortest format.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Harmanpreet Kaur’s record is more than a statistical achievement; it is a testament to persistence, opportunity and the gradual transformation of women’s sport in India. For years, female cricketers played with limited visibility, modest pay and fewer fixtures. Today, the narrative is shifting thanks to pioneers like Harmanpreet, Mithali Raj and their contemporaries, who continued to perform despite systemic challenges.
Yet milestones like this should also prompt reflection. While India’s busy international calendar has enabled Harmanpreet to break the record, many women’s teams globally still struggle for consistent fixtures and equitable investment. Sustainable growth of the women’s game demands structural commitment from boards, sponsors, media and fans alike.
