Picture Credit: Twitter/@BCCI
In a sensational development on Thursday, Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli has announced that he will be stepping down as captain of the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game after the conclusion of 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE. The 32-year-old made the announcement through a Twitter post where he also revealed the reason behind his decision.
Kohli explained that he took the call of leaving T20I captaincy, considering his immense workload over the years. He added that he will continue to play the shortest format of the game as a batsman, while leading India in Tests and ODIs. Notably, the cricketer took the decision after consulting with head coach Ravi Shastri, white-ball vice-captain Rohit Sharma, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, BCCI secretary Jay Shah and selectors.
Check out Virat Kohli's post:
I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as captain: Kohli
The 32-year-old penned down a heartwarming post which reflected the immense feeling of pride that he has gone through, leading the Indian side across all three formats over the years. He stated, "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," Kohli added.
Kohli steps down as T20I captain to manage workload
Virat Kohli revealed that one of the key reasons behind his decision to step down as T20I captain is to manage his workload. The 32-year-old explained that it was important for him to take the call as he wants to be ready to captain India in the other two formats of the game.
"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," stated Kohli.
The cricketer also added that he gave everything to the Team during his time as T20 Captain and will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward.
I discussed with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit: Kohli
Kohli admitted that arriving at the decision to step down as captain in the shortest format took a lot of time. "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 Dubai in October," he stated.
The 32-year-old notably also spoke to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. Kohli ended the letter by assuring his fans that there won't be any change in his approach while playing for the country. "I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability," Kohli signed off.
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