Virat Kohli has stepped down as the Test captain after the Indian cricket team lost the three-match Test series against South Africa. Virat Kohli, who is hailed as the greatest Test captain to have ever led team India, took to Twitter and made the big announcement.
Virat Kohli had replaced MS Dhoni as the full-time captain in the 2014/15 season. With 40 wins in 68 matches, Virat Kohli ends his Test captaincy career as the most successful Indian Test captain.
In the last seven years, the Indian cricket team has played fabulous cricket under the leadership of Virat Kohli in the longest format of the game. Under his leadership, team India became a mighty force and dominated world cricket. From winning a red-ball series in Australia to defeating New Zealand at home, the Indian side has won back-to-back series to emerge as one of the most consistent performing teams in the world.
In his Tweet, Virat Kohli thanked BCCI, former head coach Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni for showing faith in him.
“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 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.”
“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.”
Here, check out the Tweet:
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022
Meanwhile, the fans were left in shock and were heartbroken after the big announcement from Virat Kohli. Here, check out hos Twitterati reacted:
Thank you for always promoting Test cricket and helping India reach the pinnacle of it. Thank you India’s best Test captain. ?
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) January 15, 2022
we wanted to see you walk out with Babar at Lords for the WTC final?
— Haroon (@hazharoon) January 15, 2022
Legend ? pic.twitter.com/4kOutt22yS
— Pooja Bishnoi (@poojabishnoi36) January 15, 2022
Nooooo
Please take some time to reflect
Also, do ask yourself if this decision would be different if the result had gone the other way
— Apurv Nagpal (@apurvnagpal) January 15, 2022
When will u raise ur bat like ds pic.twitter.com/N8ViDbAzN8
— Cricket ?ver (@hhhhhhhhhhjjhj) January 15, 2022
Thanx king for memories.
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) January 15, 2022
Champ!! No way your account hacked??? Or wot
— Rish (@Rishabh__18) January 15, 2022
Wait, what? No way champ
— Bhawana (@bhawnakohli5) January 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/60plus9_/status/1482341928880721921?s=20
You will be missed bhai.. happy retirement. #ThankYouKohli
— IAS Smoking Skills (@Smokingskills07) January 15, 2022
Lastly, A big thank you to @msdhoni ?
You made him proud champ
Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/dc5kZ0iso0
— ★彡 ?????? ??? 彡★ (@_jspnaveen) January 15, 2022
Why man you’re literally the best Test captain India has ever produced. This is such a big loss man.
— Sam (@Sam__FCB) January 15, 2022
Guys relax, retirement nahi liya hai. pic.twitter.com/Ct9PkzbWzt
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) January 15, 2022
Most Shocking news or thing I have ever seen or Heard in Cricket. I Can’t believe Virat Kohli The Greatest India’s Captain stepped down.
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) January 15, 2022
WHATTTT. NO. BHAYII. NO ????
— Diksha ?? (@BrahmaandKiMaa) January 15, 2022
You are the best ever Test captain India ever had.
You made us watch test cricket. Thanks a lot #GOAT pic.twitter.com/eQVlm1UsCb
— Dhruv Rathee (@Dhruv_rathii) January 15, 2022
Thank you for your service. May you continue to dominate world cricket with your batting.
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) January 15, 2022
That’s really big decision ??
— Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) January 15, 2022
A big thank you to MS Dhoni who believed in me as a Captain ? ??? pic.twitter.com/rGVDHvJuq5
— R A P T O R (@Raptor_VJ) January 15, 2022
Virat you were our best Test captain. Please rethink your decision ?
— G (@ThatWittyGal) January 15, 2022
Also Read: A Fact That Proves Virat Kohli Is India’s Best Test Captain Ever