Picture Credit: Twitter/@BCCI
Ever since Virat Kohli announced his decision to step down from captaincy in the shortest format of the game after the T20 World Cup later this year, many reports have emerged revealing different stories for this decision. While few reports have suggested that it was all Kohli’s decision, then there are a few reports that suggest otherwise.
In one of those latest reports, it is being revealed that India’s current head coach Ravi Shastri had advised Kohli to leave white-ball captaincy but Kohli did not listen, as evident from his decision. As per India Ahead, after India’s Test series win in Austraila Down Under, Ravi Shastri advised Kohli to relieve himself from captaincy duties in ODIs and T20Is so that he can focus solely on his batting. The reports also say that Shastri’s suggestion, in no way, was meant to make Virat Kohli feel belittled.
“Shastri had spoken to Kohli around six months ago. But Kohli didn’t listen to Shastri. He is still keen to lead India in ODIs and that is why he only decided to let go the T20 captaincy. Even the board was discussing it as to how Kohli could be utilized more as a batsman. That is because he has a lot left as a player even now,” a BCCI official stated.
It has been made keeping future roadmap in mind: Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, who currently holds the post of BCCI President, had said post Kohli’s announcement that the decision has been made keeping Indian cricket team’s future in mind.
“Virat has been a true asset for Indian Cricket and has led with aplomb. He is one of the most successful captains in all the formats. The decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap," Ganguly quoted. This statement clearly suggests that it wasn’t Kohli alone who decided on his fate as limited overs’ captain.
To look into Kohli’s captaincy records, he has been phenomenal as a T20I captain for India. He boasts of a win percentage over 65% as has won 27 out of 45 games he has captained. However, his performance as a captain in ICC events and an empty trophy cabinet has been a matter of discussion.