Virat Kohli decides to step down as T20I captain 'after a lot of discussions' with Ravi Shastri and Rohit Sharma

India skipper Virat Kohli has announced that he will step down as the T20 captain after the upcoming World Cup to be played in the UAE and Oman. Reports surfaced a few days ago that Kohli will resign as India’s white-ball skipper with Rohit Sharma set to take over. However, the BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal had clearly denied as such reports calling it ‘rubbish.’

But Kohli’s revelation has certainly stunned the cricketing world as he has cleared that he wants to manage his workload and concentrate on Test and ODI cricket. Having said that, the 32-year-old will continue playing in the shortest format of the game as a player.

The man himself took to Twitter and posted a statement thanking his players for supporting him during his journey at the helm in T20Is. “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,” Kohli wrote.

I feel I need to give myself space, says Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli further stated in his statement that he contemplated the decision of stepping down with his close people, Ravi Shastri and Rohit Sharma before arriving to the conclusion. He also cleared that he has spoken to the BCCI President and the board secretary while reassuring that he will continue to serve Indian cricket as he has been doing over all these years.

“Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket. I have given 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.

“Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, 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 added.