Virat Kohli shocked the Indian cricket world on Saturday by abruptly resigning as the national side`s test captain, after leading the team to memorable overseas victories in his seven years in charge.
The 33-year-old, considered one of the best batsmen of his era, took to Twitter to announce his decision a day after India`s 2-1 series defeat in South Africa.
“It`s been seven years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance everyday to take the team in the right direction. I`ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there,” Kohli said in his statement.
“Everything has 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.”
Kohli, who took over the reins in 2014, led India in a record 68 test matches, winning 40 and losing 17.
“BCCI congratulates #TeamIndia captain @imVkohli for his admirable leadership qualities that took the Test team to unprecedented heights,” the Indian board wrote on Twitter.
BCCI officials were not immediately available to confirm who would take over as India`s next test captain, although opener KL Rahul`s name has already started doing the rounds.
The board`s secretary Jay Shah wrote on Twitter after Kohli`s surprise announcement: “Virat turned the team into a ruthless fit unit that performed admirably both in India and away. The Test wins in Australia & England have been special.”
Check out more reaction here:
Congratulations to @imVkohli on a tremendous tenure as #TeamIndia captain. Virat turned the team into a ruthless fit unit that performed admirably both in India and away. The Test wins in Australia & England have been special. https://t.co/9Usle3MbbQ
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) 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
When Virat took over as Test captain, India winning a test overseas was an achievement, now if India lose an overseas test series it is an upset. And that’s how far he has taken Indian cricket forward, and that will be his legacy. Congratulations on successful reign @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/My2MOXNwMc
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 15, 2022
BREAKING: After seven years at the helm, Virat Kohli has stepped down as India’s Test captain. pic.twitter.com/0aZzSUvEYq
— ICC (@ICC) January 15, 2022
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
Virat Kohli “The Test Captain” Era started from here. – What a Captain, What a player. pic.twitter.com/8XleCndKCE
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) 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
Retweet this tweet if you proud virat kohli fan. #ViratKohli
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) January 15, 2022
68 tests as captain. 40 wins to just 17 losses. Easily the best percentage and 13 test wins more than Dhoni at No2. Thank you @imVkohli, you were an outstanding captain for India.
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) January 15, 2022
You need to convert the half chances to be able to create a winning situation.
Welcome to the 100 club Virat Kohli. Congratulations. #ViratKohli #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/AbtOhyqBcO— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) January 13, 2022
