T20I Captain: With Virat stepping down as the captain for the shortest format after the marquee event in UAE, senior opener Rohit Sharma is likely to lead the national squad.
T20I Captain: Virat Kohli took to Instagram on Thursday to post an official statement, announcing that he has decided to step down as T20 captain of the Indian cricket team after the T20 World Cup. With Virat stepping down as captain for the shorter format after the UAE and Oman’s flagship event, senior opener Rohit Sharma is likely to lead the national team. The RCB captain will continue to lead India in testing and ODI.
Virat’s announcement comes amid media reports that Rohit Sharma may soon take over Kohli’s reins.
“I have been fortunate not only to represent India but also to lead the Indian Cricket Team to the best of my ability. I thank everyone who supported me in my journey as 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 all the Indians who prayed for us to win, “Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram.
“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. 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.”
Virat Kohli is India’s most successful test captain and even in the T20I he had led India to four series wins, but what gets him under scrutiny is the performance of the Indian team in big events like the 50 and 20 World Cups and the Champions Trophy. Virat has not been able to participate in a single major trophy since becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team.
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