'Very unselfish decision' - Michael Vaughan on Virat Kohli's decision to leave T20I captaincy after World Cup

Virat Kohli announcement regarding the relinquishment of T20I captaincy after the conclusion of the 2021 T20 World Cup has created plenty of buzz in the cricketing world. Terming his decision as an “unselfish move”, former England skipper, Michael Vaughan, lauded the Indian skipper, while also highlighting how the call would help him relax.

“Well Done… that’s a very unselfish decision and also one which will give you some nice space to hopefully relax a little away from all the pressures,” Vaughan commented on Kohli’s Instagram post.

Kohli, who has been leading the nation in all three formats since 2017-18, and in Tests since 2014, clarified his intention of continuing to help the team as a batsman but of leaving the captaincy keeping in mind the “immense workload over last 8-9 years”.

“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.

He further revealed how it took him “a lot of contemplation and discussion”, to arrive at this conclusion. “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 has won 27 of the 45 T20Is he has skippered India in. Meanwhile, any official confirmation regarding who would take over the role upon his exit remains awaited, with Rohit Sharma being speculated as the frontrunner.