Cricket fraternity stunned as Virat Kohli steps down as Team India’s Test Captain

Virat Kohli has stepped down as Indian Men’s Cricket Test captain with immediate effect. He announced his decision through a social media post on Saturday, a day after his side lost the Test series to South Africa with a seven-wicket loss in Cape Town.  

“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,” the 33-year-old wrote. He also thanked the BCCI, former skipper MS Dhoni and Ravi Shastri in his statement..

Also Read: Who will be India’s next Test captain as Virat Kohli steps down?

Soon after his announcement, several current and former cricketers took to Twitter to express their disbelief. 

“Although I also am shocked by Virat Kohli sudden decision, I respect his call. I can only applaud him for what he has done for world cricket & India. Easily one of the most aggressive and fittest players India has had. Hope he’d continue to shine for India as a player,” Suresh Raina tweeted.

Also Read: Virat Kohli steps down as Test captain: A look at his captaincy record in Tests

“Virat, you can go with your head held high. Few have achieved what you have as captain. Definitely India’s most aggressive and successful. Sad day for me personally as this is the team ?? we built together,” Ravi Shastri tweeted.

“Whenever the talk of Indian cricket captains will arise in test cricket Virat Kohli‘s name will be up there,not only for results but the kind of impact he had as a captain. Thank you,” Irfan Pathan tweeted.

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Wasim Jaffar tweeted, “When Virat took over as Test captain, India winning a test overseas was an achievement, now if India lose an overseas test series it is an upset. And that’s how far he has taken Indian cricket forward, and that will be his legacy. Congratulations on successful reign.”