Virat Kohli has stepped down as the Test captain of the Indian cricket team after the series defeat against South Africa. Kohli took to social media to make the announcement and also thanked the BCCI, former head coach Ravi Shastri and Mahendra Singh Dhoni in believing in him. He had replaced MS Dhoni as the full-time captain in the 2014/15 season. With 40 wins in 68 matches, Virat ends his captaincy as one of the most successful Indian Test captain ever.
Taking to social media, Virat wrote, “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.”
He further added, “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 brought into the vision I had 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.”
In all probability Rohit Sharma will take over the Test Captaincy as he is already the Vice-Captain in Tests and replaced Virat as skipper in ODIs and T20Is.
(Source: Instagram)
