New Delhi: Virat Kohli on Saturday stepped down as India Test captain with immediate effect.
The 33-year-old first led India in the longest format in 2014. His last game as captain was the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, which India lost by seven wickets.
“It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the righ direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Every thing has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now,” said Kohli in a statement released on Twitter.
“There have been many ups and also some downs along th journey, but never has there been a lack of effort or lack of belief. I have always believed in giving my 120 percent in everything I do, and if I can’t do that, I know it’s not the right thing to do. I have absolute clarity in my heart and I cannot be dishonest to my team.
“I want to thank the BCCI for giving me the opportunity to lead my country for such a long period of time and more importantly to all the teammates who bought into the vision I had for the team from day one and never gave up in any situation.
“You guys have made this journey so memorable and beautiful. To Ravi Bhai and the support group who were the engine behind this vehicle that move us upwards in Test Cricket consistently, you all have played a massive role in bringing this vision to life.
“Lastly, a big thank you to MS Dhoni who believed in me as a captain and found me to be an able individual who could take Indian Cricket forward,” Kohli signed off.
In September 2021, Kohli had announced that he would give up T20 leadership following the T20 World Cup 2021. After the showpiece event, where India were eliminated in the group stage, the BCCI removed Kohli as ODI captain and appointed Rohit Sharma as new white-ball skipper.
