The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal has confirmed that there is no doubt that Virat Kohli is the most successful Indian skipper and Indian cricket will continue to prosper under this mentorship and batting skills. Dhumal’s remarks came as Kohli stepped down as India’s Test captain after leading the side for seven years.
During a recnet chat with the ANI, Arun Dhumal said, “Virat beyond doubt is the most successful Indian cricket team captain. We respect his decision and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours as a batter. I am sure under his leadership, mentorship and with his batting skills, Indian cricket would keep doing well.”
Kohli’s decision to resign as Test captain came a day after India lost the three-match Test series against South Africa on Friday. His biggest win in the longest format came during 2018-19 as India won its first Test series Down Under. Under his captaincy, India also reached the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC).
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When asked whether series defeat against South Africa was the reason behind Virat’s decision, Arun Dhumal said: “I do not think series loss against South Africa would have weighed that much in his decision. This would have been the first series win in South Africa. There is no Indian Test captain that has won a series in South Africa, so that could not be the case.”
He further added, “I am sure he would have thought about his decision, he has been leading the side for seven years. He would have thought that this is the time to give leadership to someone else in the team. He will continue leading with his bat.”
Arun Dhumal said that Kohli could have coninued Test captaincy for another two-three years. As per the quotes in News18, he said, “Virat Kohli had no pressure from the BCCI or selectors to step down. It’s his decision and we respect that, but he could have carried on for another two to three years as captain.”
Replying on who can be the next Test captain, Dhumal said: “The decision to appoint a captain is taken by the selectors, not the office bearers. They would discuss among themselves on who will be the next Test captain.”
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Virat Kohli led Team India in 68 Tests and out which he managed to churn out 40 wins, which is the most by any Indian captain. Only Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh have won more matches than Kohli as captain in Test cricket. Kohli had first led the side in Test cricket in 2014 against Australia.
