Virat Kohli steps down as Test captain, shares heartfelt note

In what can be called a shocking announcement, Virat Kohli has stepped down as India’s Test captain. The 33-year-old took to Twitter on Saturday (January 15) and informed about the same. Kohli’s jaw-dropping decision came a day after India’s Test series defeat against South Africa. India, despite having a 1-0 lead, failed to win their maiden Test series in the rainbow nation.

The same earned them a lot of criticism. However, Kohli leaving Test captaincy never seemed on the cards. Kohli, in his statement, thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for giving him the opportunity of leading the nation. He also thanked former coach Ravi Shastri and ex-captain MS Dhoni for supporting him in his journey. Kohli, who stepped down as India’s white-ball captain last year, also said he feels it’s the right time for him to step down as Test captain.

I’ve done the job with absolute honesty: Virat Kohli

“It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance everyday to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Every thing has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now,” Kohli wrote in his tweet.

“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,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kohli also thanked his teammates for supporting his vision of taking the team to great heights. “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,” stated Kohli.

“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,” he added.