PC: (Black Hat, WION)
Historic Milestone: Surpasses Suzie Bates with 356th International Appearance
On February 19, 2026, Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name into the record books by playing her 356th international match during the second T201 against Australia at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The 36-year-old all-rounder surpassed New Zealand legend Suzie Bates, who previously held the record with 355 matches. Harmanpreet now leads the all-time list ahead of Australia’s Ellyse Perry (349 matches) and former India captain Mithali Raj (333 matches).
Glorious Career Journey: From Debut to World Cup-Winning Captain
Harmanpreet Kaur has been a cornerstone of Indian women’s cricket since her debut in 2009. As a top-order batter and right-arm off-spinner, she has played 6 Tests, 161 ODIs, and 189 T20 Is (as of February 2026). Under her captaincy, India lifted the 2025 Women’s T20 World Cup, won the Women’s Asia Cup in 2012, 2016, and 2022, and secured the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games. Her leadership also delivered India’s first bilateral WODI away series win over England since 1999 (2022), the first-ever Test victory against Australia (2023), and the first WT201 series win over England (2025).
World Cup Triumph: India’s First ICC Title Under Her Leadership
In November 2025, Harmanpreet Kaur captained India to their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title (T20 format) with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa in the final. This historic achievement was complemented by a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She also became the first Indian woman to score over 3,000 runs in T20’s and holds the record for the most runs in Women’s World Cup knockout matches (331).
Padma Shri Honour and Enduring Legacy
In 2026, Harmanpreet was conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to cricket. Her consistency, leadership, and milestone performances have firmly established her as one of the greatest icons in the history of women’s cricket.
Humble Beginnings: From Punjab to Global Stardom
Born on March 8, 1989, in Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet grew up in a modest Sikh family. Her father, Harmandar Singh Bhullar-a former volleyball and basketball player who later worked as a clerk-played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent despite societal resistance to girls playing sports. Her mother, Satwinder Kaur, is a homemaker, and she has a younger sister, Hemjeet Kaur. Harmanpreet began formal training at Gian Jyoti School Academy under coach Kamaldeesh Singh Sodhi, often practicing and playing against boys during her early years.
Education and Early Struggles
Harmanpreet completed her early education at Hans Raj Mahila Mahavidyalaya in Jalandhar. She later joined the Gian Jyoti School Academy-about 30 km from her home-for dedicated cricket training. She claims to have earned a Bachelor of Arts degree through distance education from Chaudhary Charan Singh University between 2009 and 2011, though the degree later became the subject of controversy. In 2014, she moved to Mumbai and joined Indian Railways, a step that provided financial security and allowed her to focus fully on her cricketing career.
Family Backbone: The Support That Fueled Her Rise
Harmanpreet’s family remained her biggest strength throughout her journey. Her father ignored societal criticism and encouraged her passion for the game. Her sister and brother offered constant emotional support. Coach Kamaleesh Singh Sodhi, whom she considers a godfather figure, provided free training and facilities in her formative years. This unwavering family and coaching support helped her overcome numerous challenges and emerge as a global cricket superstar.