Virat Kohli on Saturday said that he is quitting India’s Test cricket captain with immediate effect, a day after losing the Test series to South Africa 2-1 with a seven-wicket loss in Cape Town.
Kohli first led the side in Test cricket in early 2015, when MS Dhoni had announced retirement in Australia and has primarily held the role since then.
Under Kohli, India won their first Test series in Australia and also lead 2-1 against England in their home.
Kohli as the Test captain was a largely successful one, as he oversaw the team’s rise to No.1 in the ICC rankings, following several memorable overseas victories.
In 2021, he led India to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship, in Southampton.
Overall, Kohli steps down with the fourth-most wins as captain in Test cricket, with 40 wins from 68 matches.
Taking to Twitter, Kohli said; “It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a 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 the right thing to do. I have absolute clarity in my heart and I cannot be dishonest to my team.”
Kohli continued: “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.”
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