Virat Kohli has decided to step down as the T20I skipper of the Indian Cricket Team post the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE. He has said the same in an official statement as well. However, the BCCI has confirmed that Kohli will be available for selection in the format as a player after the ICC event in UAE. Kohli became the white-ball skipper of the Indian team in 2017 and has led in two ICC events so far.
The BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah has thanked Virat Kohli for his services as the T20I skipper of the team.
“Virat has been a true asset for Indian Cricket and has led with aplomb. He is one of the most successful captains in all the formats. The decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap. We thank Virat for his tremendous performance as the T20I Captain. We wish him all the best for the upcoming World Cup and beyond and hope that he continues to score plenty of runs for India” said Ganguly.
Virat Kohli also in his statement spoke about leading India in the format and the pressure of leading India in all formats over a period of time.
Virat Kohli To Step Down As India’s T20I Skipper
🇮🇳 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021
“I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team. I couldn’t have done it without them – the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win. Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given everything to the team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I’ve decided to step down as the T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability. “ said Kohli.
India begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on October 24. Kohli will have the added pressure of maintaining India’s consistent winning record against Pakistan in ICC tournaments.
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