On Thursday, the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli announced that he will be resigning as the captain of the Indian team’s T20 after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in UAE but will continue to lead the side in ODIs and Test cricket. Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that the decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap.
As per the quotes in India Today, Sourav Ganguly had said, “Virat has been a true asset for Indian Cricket and has led with aplomb. He is one of the most successful captains in all formats. The decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap. 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.”
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The decision, as informed by Virat Kohli, was taken after consulting head coach Ravi Shastri, his heir deputy in white-ball Cricket, Rohit Sharma, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, and secretary Jay Shah.
Announcing the resignation, Virat Kohli wrote, “I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but 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. I couldn’t have done it without them – the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches, and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win.”
He also added, “Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket.. I have given everything to the team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time.”
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Virat Kohli further elaborated, “After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I’ve decided to step down as the T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability.”
The Indian skipper will continue to be available for selection for the shortest format of the game post the T20 World Cup. He is willing to contribute to the team as a batsman.
