‘You can be very proud of what you have achieved’ – Sir Vivian Richards lauds Virat Kohli on scaling heights for Team India

Legendary batter Sir Vivian Richards heaped praises on Virat Kohli after the latter stepped down as Team India’s Test captain on Saturday, January 15. Back in December 2014, the now 33-year-old Kohli was appointed as the full-time skipper in the purest format after MS Dhoni decided to retire after the Melbourne Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

India had their fair share of travails back then, especially when it came to winning overseas Tests. But over the last five years, Kohli has changed the face of their cricket. Under Kohli, India have won two back-to-back Test series on Australian soil and are also leading England 2-1 in the unfinished series that was postponed back in September 2021.

Richards, one of the greatest batters of his generation, praised Kohli on the brilliant journey over the last seven years. The West Indies legend also hailed him as one of the best captains the cricket world has ever seen.

Richards took to Twitter and wrote. “Congratulations @imVkohli on a stunning run as the Indian captain. You can be very proud of what you have achieved so far, and for sure, your name will be up there among the best leaders in world cricket.”

Sir Vivian Richards’ tweet

Back in 2019 during the West Indies tour, Kohli became India’s most successful Test captain after he surpassed Dhoni’s tally. He put forth his decision to step down after India lost to South Africa 1-2 in the three-match Test series.

“It’s been 7 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. 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. 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.”