New Delhi: Reactions poured in huge numbers after India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday announced that he will step down as skipper of the side in T20Is following the conclusion of the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, in the UAE and Oman, which begins next month.
Kohli, who has played 90 T20Is for India, has captained the side in 45 of those matches, leading the side to victory in 27 of them.
"I've decided to step down as the T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October," the Indian captain said in a statement on Twitter.
However, Kohli will continue to lead the Indian cricket team in ODIs and Test cricket. He cited excessive workload as the reason behind his decision to quit T20 captaincy.
"Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all three formats and captaining regularly for last five to six years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead Indian team in Test and ODI cricket," he said.
"I have given my everything to the Team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 captain and will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward.
"I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but to 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," he added.
Reacting to Kohli's decision, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly praised Kohli for his contribution to the Indian cricket team as captain across all formats, and said that he hopes the right-handed batsman continues to score runs for the team as a batsman.
''Virat has been a true asset for Indian Cricket and has led with aplomb. He is one of the most successful captains in all the formats. The decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap," Ganguly said in a BCCI press release.
''We thank Virat for his tremendous performance as the T20I Captain. We wish him all the best for the upcoming World Cup and beyond and hope that he continues to score plenty of runs for India," he added.
Meanwhile, Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev called Kohli's decision a 'surprising' move.
''I was surprised by the decision made by Kohli. It was his personal choice and we ought to respect that,'' Dev said.
Another Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar said that Virat Kohli will want to end his T20I captaincy on high by winning ICC T20 World Cup.
''Virat will want to retire from T20 captaincy on high by winning the World Cup. There will be less pressure on him now going into the ICC T20 World Cup as he knows that it is his last captaincy stint for Team India in the shortest format of the game. This will benefit the Indian team going to the mega event,'' said Gavaskar.
BCCI general secretary Jay Shah further said that he was in talks with Kohli and the team management and believes it to be the right decision for the team.
''We have a clear roadmap for Team India. Considering the workloads and ensuring that we have smooth transition, Virat Kohli has decided to step down as T20I captain after the upcoming World Cup,'' Jay Shah said.
''I have been in discussions with Virat and the leadership team for the last six months and the decision has been thought through. Virat will continue to contribute as a player and as a senior member of the side in shaping the future course of Indian cricket," he added.
Meanwhile, Rajeev Shukla, vice president, BCCI, said the cricket board respects the decision made by Kohli.
''Virat Kohli’s contribution to the Indian T20 cricket team as captain was immense. It can never be forgotten. This is his personal decision and we respect it,'' he stated.
Ace Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle hoped that Virat’s decision provides him the rest he needs.
''Virat's intensity was insane. I had thought he would give up the captaincy of #RCB which would give him two months off as leader. Hopefully this can give his mind the rest it needs and who knows, find him another peak as a T20 batsman,'' Bhogle wrote on Twitter.
Virat took over the limited-overs reins from Dhoni in January 2017 and led India to T20I series wins against every major cricket-playing nation.
Win in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England and West Indies will remain the highlights of Kohli's leadership. (UNI)
