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Virat Kohli (Image Credit: Twitter)
Batting megastar Virat Kohli shocked the world by deciding to step down as Team India's Test captain on Saturday. Kohli, who had led India in the longest format for seven years, decided to relinquish the post just a day after his team's Test series defeat to South Africa.
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Virat Kohli's decision of giving up captaincy in the longest format was indeed surprising as he had a staggering record as India skipper and could have easily led the team for another few years. However, the off-field controversy involving him and BCCI clubbed with series defeat in South Africa might have forced him to take such a call.
After Virat Kohli made it clear that he no longer wants to continue as India's Test captain, members from the cricketing fraternity came forward to thank him for his captaincy contributions. Even the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave special mention to the Delhi cricketer on social media.
Here are the reactions:
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
BREAKING: After seven years at the helm, Virat Kohli has stepped down as India’s Test captain. pic.twitter.com/0aZzSUvEYq
— ICC (@ICC) January 15, 2022
Whenever the talk of Indian cricket captains will arise in test cricket @imVkohli ‘s name will be up there,not only for results but the kind of impact he had as a captain. Thank you #ViratKohli
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 15, 2022
#ViratKohli has been the most successful Test captain for India and he can take pride in his accomplishments. Congratulations for a fine innings as captain.#CricketTwitter
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) January 15, 2022
It’s always an honour to lead the dynamic Indian team. And the decision to step down is an emotional heavy moment. A journey well travelled #ViratKohli #captain @imVkohli
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) January 15, 2022
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 @imVkohli 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/My2MOXNwMc
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 15, 2022
Congratulations to @imVkohli on a tremendous tenure as #TeamIndia captain. Virat turned the team into a ruthless fit unit that performed admirably both in India and away. The Test wins in Australia & England have been special. https://t.co/9Usle3MbbQ
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 15, 2022
Many Congratulations #ViratKohli on an outstanding career as India's Test Captain. Stats don't lie & he was not only the most successful Indian Test Captain but one of the most successful in the world. Can be very proud @imVkohli & looking forward to watch u dominate with the bat
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 15, 2022
@imVkohli created Habits which turned into a culture. With courage,character passion & aggression, You led this indian Test cricket team to great heights. Today's decision is a shocker!!
— R SRIDHAR (@coach_rsridhar) January 15, 2022
Wishing you all the very best for the rest of your international career. #No1forever 💯💔 pic.twitter.com/NhcdsQOfwY
Although I also am shocked by @imVkohli 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. pic.twitter.com/W9hJGAYqhv
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 15, 2022
Under Virat Kohli's leadership, the Indian team was a force to reckon with in the traditional format, having remained at the top of rankings for 42 months (October 2016-March 2020). However, what really stands out the most during the Virat Kohli era was that India never lost a Test series at home. The batting icon had led India to the final of the inaugural edition of the Test Championship as well.
Under Kohli's captaincy, Team India registered 40 out of 68 Test match wins, with the winning percentage being 58.82. He also became the first Indian captain to win a Test series on Australian soil during India's 2-1 victory in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar series. Virat Kohli's leadership was also instrumental in India taking a 2-1 lead in England, with one more game to go which will be played in July this year.