Virat Kohli stepped down Indian Test captaincy, thanks MS Dhoni for believing in him
Virat Kohli has stepped down as the Indian Test captain after a 1-2 loss in the Test series against South Africa. “I have acted with utmost sincerity and left nothing there,” he said in a statement. “Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me, as India’s Test captain, it is now,” Kohli said.
“At some stage, everything has to come to a halt and for me as India’s Test captain, it is now,” Kohli wrote in an Instagram post.
BCCI congratulates #TeamIndia captain @imVkohli for his admirable leadership qualities that took the Test team to unprecedented heights. He led India in 68 matches and has been the most successful captain with 40 wins. https://t.co/oRV3sgPQ2G
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 15, 2022
The decision comes a day after India’s crushing defeat to South Africa in the Test series.
Under Kohli’s leadership, India won their first Test series in Australia and also took a 2-1 lead against England.
“It has been 7 years of hard work, hard work and tireless work everyday to take the team in the right direction. I have worked honestly and left nothing there. Everything has to be done on some level. But for me as India’s Test captain, it is now. The journey has had many ups and downs, but there has never been a lack of effort or faith. I have always believed in giving my 120 per cent. Do it, and if I can’t do it, I know it’s not the right thing to do. I have complete clarity in my heart and I cannot be dishonest for my team,” Kohli said on social media on Saturday evening.
Kohli, who took charge of the Test side in late 2014, led India to memorable series victories on both domestic and overseas tours. He is India’s most successful captain in the format. Kohli led India in 68 Tests with 40 wins, 17 losses and 11 losses.
As Test captain, the 33-year-old scored 5864 runs at an impressive average of 54.80 with 20 centuries and 18 half-centuries.
Kohli also thanked the BCCI, former skipper MS Dhoni and Ravi Shastri. “I want to thank the BCCI for giving me the opportunity to lead my country for such a long period of time and more importantly to all the teammates who bought into the vision I had for the team from day one and never gave up in any situation .
You guys have made this journey so memorable and beautiful. 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.”