Virat Kohli has stepped down as the Test skipper of India with immediate effect, the cricketer confirmed on Saturday (January 15). Since taking over the baton from MS Dhoni, Kohli has led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 matches while 11 ended in a draw and losing on 17 occasions. He steps down from the job as India’s most successful Test captain.
Earlier, Kohli had relinquished his leadership duties in the shortest formats before being removed as the captain in ODIs. And now, Virat Kohli has stepped down as captain from the longest format of the game in the wake of India’s 2-1 defeat against South Africa.
The 33-year-old took to social media to announce his decision. He wrote:
“7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance everyday to take the team in the right direction”, the time had come for him to step aside. Every thing has to come to halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now. There have been many ups and also some downs along the journey, but never has there been a lack of effort or lack of belief. I have always believed in giving my 120 percent in everything I do, and if I can’t do that, I know it’s not right thing to do. I have absolute clarity in my heart and I cannot be dishonest to my team.”
Virat Kohli added:
“To Ravi Bhai and the support group who were the engine behind this vehicle that moved us upwards in Test Cricket consistently, you all have played a massive role in bringing this vision to life. Lastly, a big thank you to MS Dhoni who believed in me as a Captain and found me to be an able individual who could take Indian Cricket forward.”
Meanwhile, the decision has left everyone in shock including his teammates and former teammates.
Here is how the Indian cricket fraternity reacted to Virat Kohli’s resignation:
Wins are just a result and the seeds are always sown well before the harvest! The seeds you managed to sow is the kind of standard you set for yourself and hence set the expectations straight with the rest of us. Well done @imVkohli on the headache you
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 16, 2022
Integrity, insight and inclusivity.
Your contribution to the team as captain is invaluable, you’ve been a great leader to this side. It’s been a pleasure playing under you.🙌 pic.twitter.com/K5iwPIuplZ
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) January 15, 2022
Although I also am shocked by @imVkohli sudden decision, I respect his call. I can only applaud him for what he has done for world cricket & India. Easily one of the most aggressive and fittest players India has had. Hope he’d continue to shine for India as a player. pic.twitter.com/W9hJGAYqhv
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 15, 2022
Thank you for all the memories I've shared with you in dressing room & on & off the field since childhood, where we never thought that you would be our captain & I'll play 100 test matches for India.
All we did was just play cricket with all our heart & things worked out well😇 pic.twitter.com/0LhXJmxTaO
— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) January 15, 2022
The epitome of leadership
The man who galvanised a team to win overseas
Congratulations on a brilliant run as Team India captain
Looking forward to more from you with the bat – Go well Virat @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/qstBedwgnF— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) January 15, 2022
A leader in every sense. Can't thank you enough for all that you've done, Skip. 🇮🇳💙 @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/IJlkX6aEoV
— K L Rahul (@klrahul) January 15, 2022
Congratulations on taking the Indian team all the way to the top! Been a pleasure playing under your leadership, Virat ! 👊 @imVkohli
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 15, 2022
Congratulations @imVkohli on a fantastic term as captain. It was an absolute honour playing under your leadership. Someone who led by example. You have created a winning mentality in everyone. Your passion and dedication towards the game is an inspiration. Thank you, Skips 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/od0pg4hJzG
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) January 15, 2022
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thank you for leading the team for more than seven years your aggression and temperament and style of leading the team will be missed forever you are the best captain #thankyoukingkohli #Thankyoukohli #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/rUXzLf2T8Z
— Harleen Kaur Deol (@imharleenDeol) January 15, 2022
Whenever the talk of Indian cricket captains will arise in test cricket @imVkohli ‘s name will be up there,not only for results but the kind of impact he had as a captain. Thank you #ViratKohli
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 15, 2022
You are Outstanding bro and legendary. I have played under you from under-19 days and known you since those days it was life changing.
— Siddharthh Kaul (@iamsidkaul) January 15, 2022
It’s always an honour to lead the dynamic Indian team. And the decision to step down is an emotional heavy moment. A journey well travelled #ViratKohli #captain @imVkohli
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) January 15, 2022
It’s been a remarkable journey King Kohli @imVkohli! Very few have been able to achieve what you have. Gave your all and played like a true champion each time. May you grow from strength to strength! Onwards and upwards 👊🏻💯🔥
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) January 15, 2022
Many Congratulations #ViratKohli on an outstanding career as India's Test Captain. Stats don't lie & he was not only the most successful Indian Test Captain but one of the most successful in the world. Can be very proud @imVkohli & looking forward to watch u dominate with the bat
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 15, 2022
There are highs, there are lows but what never changed was his hunger to win and the aggressive approach which made #TeamIndia achieve wonders.
Thank you and all the best @imVkohli. pic.twitter.com/1jcXkSHBGt— DK (@DineshKarthik) January 16, 2022
Hats off to @imVkohli for an outstanding stint as India's Test captain. Respect your decision to step down. You will forever remain a legend and a great player. I hope you now go on to score hundred hundreds in international #cricket
— Kiran More (@JockMore) January 15, 2022
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