'A big brave call' - Twitter reacts as Virat Kohli announces decision to step down as T20I skipper
Kohli took to Instagram on September 16 to announce his decision.
Indian captain Virat Kohli has decided to step down as the T20I captain after the 2021 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 18 to November 14. Certain recent reports were suggestive regarding the possibility of the development, which were all brought to a close when BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal rubbished them as “media-created”.
However, Kohli took to Instagram on September 16 to announce the decision, which by his own admission, took him a “lot of time” to arrive at. He cited “workload” and giving himself “space” to lead in Test and ODI cricket as the reasons behind the decision.
“I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team. I couldn’t have done it without them – the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win,” he wrote.
“Understanding the workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in test and ODI Cricket. I have everything to the team during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward,” he added.
“Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people. Ravi [Shastri] bhai and also Rohit [Sharma], who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I’ve decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability.”
Kohli, who has been leading the nation in all three formats since 2018, and in Tests since 2014, has won 27 of the 45 T20Is he has skippered India in. Any official confirmation regarding who would take over at the helm remains awaited.
Meanwhile, after Kohli decision, Cricket Twitter reacted in plenty:
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