‘Shocked to the core’ – Here’s how cricket fraternity reacted to Kohli’s bombshell
Virat Kohli (Photo by CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP via Getty Images)
India captain Virat Kohli dropped a bombshell on Saturday and stepped down as India Test captain. Kohli has been one of India’s greatest Test captains and he could have easily led India for another few years. The fans and experts didn’t anticipate this and Kohli’s sudden decision left them shellshocked.
Earlier, Kohli had stepped down as India T20 captain and later was removed by the BCCI as ODI captain. Many believe that he was disappointed by BCCI’s behaviour thus decided to step down. Another theory sugged that lack of runs could also be the reason for his decision to relinquish captaincy. Add to that the series defeat in South Africa. Whatever the reason may be, Kohli’s call was a massive jolt to the cricket fraternity.
Here are the reactions:
https://twitter.com/ivivianrichards/status/1482363332761841670?s=20
BREAKING: After seven years at the helm, Virat Kohli has stepped down as India’s Test captain. pic.twitter.com/0aZzSUvEYq
— ICC (@ICC) January 15, 2022
Whenever the talk of Indian cricket captains will arise in test cricket @imVkohli ‘s name will be up there,not only for results but the kind of impact he had as a captain. Thank you #ViratKohli
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 15, 2022
#ViratKohli has been the most successful Test captain for India and he can take pride in his accomplishments. Congratulations for a fine innings as captain.#CricketTwitter
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) January 15, 2022
It’s always an honour to lead the dynamic Indian team. And the decision to step down is an emotional heavy moment. A journey well travelled #ViratKohli #captain @imVkohli
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) January 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1482347022976167940?s=20
Congratulations to @imVkohli on a tremendous tenure as #TeamIndia captain. Virat turned the team into a ruthless fit unit that performed admirably both in India and away. The Test wins in Australia & England have been special. https://t.co/9Usle3MbbQ
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 15, 2022
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
https://twitter.com/coach_rsridhar/status/1482348495306514436?s=20
https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1482354646689906690?s=20
In terms of stats, Kohli was the most successful India skipper. Under his captaincy, India won 40 out of 68 Test match wins, with the winning percentage being 58.82. He also led India to twin series win in Australia and gave India a 2-1 lead in England, with one match to go that’ll be played in July this year. He also led India to No 1 in Test rankings.
