NEW DELHI: India star batter Virat Kohli dropped a bombshell on Saturday, announcing on social media that he is stepping down as captain of the Indian Test cricket team.
Kohli ended his seven-year reign as India’s most successful Test captain with memorable series wins in England and Australia being the highlight.
Following the announcement, reactions started pouring in from fellow cricketers and other cricket lovers to pay tribute to the star batsman.
Former Pakistani cricketer Azhar Mahmood took to his official Twitter handle praising Kohli for his efforts. “A remarkable journey, career and perseverance which brought us great cricket and entertainment. A brilliant inspiring player of the sport takes a bow,” he wrote.
A remarkable journey, career and perseverance which brought us great cricket and entertainment. A brilliant inspiring player of the sport takes a bow. Well done @imVkohli in all your efforts and leading a team with such poise and dignity. Go well ! https://t.co/fLBhjtbNor
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) January 15, 2022
“It’s been a remarkable journey King Kohli! Very few have been able to achieve what you have. Gave your all and played like a true champion each time,” former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh wrote on Twitter.
It’s been a remarkable journey King Kohli @imVkohli! Very few have been able to achieve what you have. Gave your all and played like a true champion each time. May you grow from strength to strength! Onwards and upwards ????????????????
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) January 15, 2022
Meanwhile, West Indies great Vivian Richards wrote: “Congratulations Kohli on a stunning run as the Indian captain. You can be very proud of what you have achieved so far, and for sure, your name will be up there among the best leaders in world cricket.”
Congratulations @imVkohli on a stunning run as the Indian captain. You can be very proud of what you have achieved so far, and for sure, your name will be up there among the best leaders in world cricket ???? https://t.co/DieCKL4bhE
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) January 15, 2022
The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) shared some of Kohli’s achievements. “BCCI congratulates #TeamIndia captain @imVkohli for his admirable leadership qualities that took the test team to unprecedented heights. He led India in 68 matches and has been the most successful captain with 40 wins,” it wrote on Twitter.
4️⃣0️⃣ wins in 6️⃣8️⃣ Tests!
Virat Kohli steps down as India’s most successful Test captain ????
Read more: https://t.co/D0qfZJLRjP pic.twitter.com/2pnr6iJ7qd
— ICC (@ICC) January 15, 2022
The announcement
The 33-year-old, considered one of the best batsmen of his era, took to Twitter to announce his decision a day after India’s 2-1 series defeat in South Africa.
“It’s been seven years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance everyday to take the team in the right direction. I have done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there,” Kohli said in his statement.
“Everything has 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,” he said.
