Virat Kohli announced Saturday(1/15/2022) that he is stepping down as India’s Test captain after 7-years with the team’s help in the longest format. The announcement came a day after South Africa completed a 2-1 series win against India.
Kohli wrote in a note.
“It’s been seven 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.”
He went on to add:
“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.”
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022
The 33-year-old, who managed India to the maiden World Test Championship final, also added:
“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 with my team.”
BCCI congratulates Virat Kohli for winning India to unique heights
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulates Kohli on his time as captain. The BCCI post on the tweet:
“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.”
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 thanked the BCCI, former head coach Ravi Shastri, who mostly oversaw Kohli’s tenure as captain, and his predecessor, MS Dhoni. Kohli took over as India’s Test skipper during the tour of Australia in 2014-15.