Several big names from the cricketing world wished Virat Kohli the best of luck, as the 32-year-old announced that he will step down as India’s T20 captain post the 2021 World Cup. While BCCI Secretary Jay Shah thanked Kohli for his contribution as leader, national selector Venkatesh Prasad extended best wishes. 

“I’ve decided to step down as the T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October,” Kohli said in a statement posted on his Twitter page.

Also read: Twitter users react to Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as India captain

“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,” the statement further read.

“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,” BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said, as per ANI. 

Also read: Virat Kohli’s report card as India’s T20 captain

Kohli led India in 45 games in the format and managed to record a 65% win percentage over four years. He won T20 series in  Australia, England, New Zealand, West Indies and South Africa. The talks of Kohli stepping down have been around for a while, especially since he has not scored an international century in nearly three years. 

“Thanks @imVKohli for your contribution as the #TeamIndia captain. As a young talent the focus and determination you have showed as the captain is unmatched. The most impressive aspect was the way of maintaining balance between captaincy and individual performance,” Jay Shah tweeted. 

 Former chairman of Indian Premier League (IPL) Rajeev Shukla said that 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.”

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“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,” Cricket commentator and expert Harsha Bhogale tweeted. 

The decision, Kohli said, was taken after consulting head coach Ravi Shastri, his heir apparent Rohit, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah.

Venkatesh Prasad tweeted,”Best wishes for the T20 World Cup. I am sure you will bring glory to the country. 

“@imVkohli we are with you in your Decision. I am sure we will win this #worldcup under your captaincy. Wish you All the best,” India’s 2011 World Cup captain Munaf Patel said.