Virat Kohli to step down from T20 captaincy after the T20 World cup

Virat Kohli has announced that he will abdicate his captaincy in T20 format after the T20 world cup slated to be held in the UAE this October. He made his decision public on all his social media handles. His decision came as a surprise for many of his fans who were expecting him to stay for a longer time. 

Virat Kohli cited workload as a reason to make this decision. He was not unable to focus on all three formats being a captain. His performance was being affected to some extent. This was the reason he decided to abdicate his role in the T20 format. However, he will continue to lead the Indian team in the ODI and T20. 

He said he took this decision after discussion with his coach Ravi Shastri and vice-captain Rohit Sharma. 

“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,” wrote Kohli.

“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 the 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. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi Bhai and also Rohit, who has been an essential part of the leadership group, I’ve decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai 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,” he added.

BCCI president Saurav Ganguli accepted the decision of Virat Kohli to step down as T20 captain. He also praised Virat Kohli for all his contribution as T20 captain for India. In a press release, He said that “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.”

Jay shah, BCCI secretary acknowledged Virat’s decision and He said it was not a sudden decision but there have been lots of discussions for the last 6 months regarding the same. He said “We have a clear roadmap for Team India. Considering the workloads and ensuring that we have a smooth transition, Mr. Virat Kohli has decided to step down as T20I Captain after the upcoming World Cup. I have been in discussions with Virat and the leadership team for the last six months and the decision has been thought through. Virat will continue to contribute as a player and as a senior member of the side in shaping the future course of Indian cricket.”

Kohli’s innings as a T20 captain began in 2017 when he took over the reins of T20 captaincy from Dhoni. He led his first T20 series as a captain against England which he won 2-1. Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India has played a total of 45 matches in which India registered 29 wins and suffered 14 defeats with two matches having no results at all. The T20 world cup being held in UAE this October will be the first and only captaincy of the Virat Kohli. 

Virat Kohli’s captaincy in T20 has been at the loggerheads recently. He has not performed as he should as a captain of the Indian team. Many voices both from outside and inside have started raising their pitch against Virat Kohli’s ability to captain. These voices are becoming more aggressive at a time when there is a better alternative in Rohit Sharma available in the team. Rohit Sharma’s mettle as the shortest format captain is justified as He has managed to win the IPL title five times. And RCB under the leadership of Virat Kohli has been unable to win a single title. 

RCB’s best finish has only been in 2016 when they were runner-ups before losing to the Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

The T20 world cup will begin on 17 October. India will open their campaign against Pakistan on 24 October.