New Delhi: Virat Kohli dropped a bombshell on Saturday, announcing on social media that he is stepping down as captain of the Indian Test cricket team on Saturday (January 15). He announced his decision to retire a day after India lost the Test series against South Africa.
His statememt shocked the entire cricket fraternity and fans across the world. Cricket fraternity came forward to shower praise on the 33-year-oldwho left no stone unturned in the Indian Cricket team. Legendary Sachin Tendulkar to West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards lavished praised on batting star, saying his name will be up there among the ‘best leaders in world cricket’, and congratulated Kohli for a glorious career as India’s Test captain.
“Congratulations on a successful stint as a captain, @imVkohli. You always gave 100% for the team and you always will. Wishing you all the very best for the future,” tweeted Sachin Tendulkar.
Congratulations on a successful stint as a captain, @imVkohli.
You always gave 100% for the team and you always will. Wishing you all the very best for the future. pic.twitter.com/CqOWtx2mQ7
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 15, 2022
“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,” tweeted West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards.
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
Former India coach Ravi Shastri too congratulated Kohli in his praise for he had achieved as captain.
“Virat, you can go with your head held high. Few have achieved what you have as captain. Definitely India’s most aggressive and successful. Sad day for me personally as this is the team Flag of India we built together – @imVkohli,” he wrote on Twitter.
Virat, you can go with your head held high. Few have achieved what you have as captain. Definitely India's most aggressive and successful. Sad day for me personally as this is the team 🇮🇳 we built together – @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/lQC3LvekOf
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) January 15, 2022
Since taking over the baton from MS Dhoni, Kohli has led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 matches while 11 ended in a draw and losing on 17 occasions. He steps down from the job as India’s most successful Test captain.
Many former cricketers in the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Wasim Jaffer and former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin among others also took to Twitter to hail Kohli’s captaincy tenure.
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
It’s been a remarkable journey King Kohli @imVkohli! Very few have been able to achieve what you have. Gave your all and played like a true champion each time. May you grow from strength to strength! Onwards and upwards 👊🏻💯🔥
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) 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
