SPORTSTop News

Virat Kohli Steps Down As Test Captain, Says ‘I’ve Done The Job With Absolute Honesty’

Mumbai: Virat Kohli has stepped down as India Test captain following 1-2 Test series defeat against South Africa. Kohli took to Twitter to make the mega announcement.

He had replaced MS Dhoni as the full-time captain in the 2014/15 season. With 40 wins in 68 matches, Kohli ends his captaincy stint as the most successful Indian Test captain.

The former captain thanked the BCCI, former head coach Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni in his statement on social media. Under his leadership, India became a mighty force and dominated every team at home. In the 2015/16 season, India defeated Sri Lanka at home and then went on to win South Africa.

“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. 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,” Kohli said in a statement.

“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 bad for the team from day one and never gave up in any situation. 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.

https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1482340422987169794?s=20

Kohli’s decision to step down as Test captain comes a day after India lost the three-match Test series against South Africa on Friday. Virat Kohli’s biggest win in the longest format came during 2018-19 as India won their maiden Test series Down Under.

Under his captaincy, India also reached the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). It needs to be noted that Kohli has not scored a century in international cricket since November 2019. He last scored a century against Bangladesh in the day-night Test at the Eden Gardens.

Follow us on TwitterInstagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and interesting stories.

Show More
Back to top button