Virat Kohli dropped a bombshell on Saturday, announcing on social media that he is stepping down as captain of the Indian Test cricket team. His statememt sent shockwaves across the world. Many took to Twitter to hail the 33-year-old, among them were some of the most famous names in world cricket. With 40 wins in 68 Tests, Kohli ends his tenure as India’s most succesful Test captain. 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”.
“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 the West Indian great.
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 was effusive in his praise for Virat Kohli 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
The likes of Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin and many 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
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
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
Although I also am shocked by @imVkohli sudden decision, I respect his call. I can only applaud him for what he has done for world cricket & India. Easily one of the most aggressive and fittest players India has had. Hope he’d continue to shine for India as a player. pic.twitter.com/W9hJGAYqhv
— Suresh Raina???????? (@ImRaina) January 15, 2022
Virat Kohli can be very proud of what he achieved as a test match captain. The numbers will tell a story but they won’t tell you of his fierce desire to play and win at test cricket.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 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
Captain of 1.4 billion Indians. Thank you, @imVkohli ????????#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/jZMfMILucO
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) January 15, 2022
“It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil, and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now. There have been many ups and also some downs along the journey, but never has there been a lack of effort or lack of belief. I have always believed in giving my 120 percent in everything I do, and if I can’t do that, I know it’s not the right thing to do. I have absolute clarity in my heart and I cannot be dishonest to my team,” Kohli said in a statement.
Virat Kohli took over as Test captain from MS Dhoni and made India an absolute force both at home and overseas. In the 68 Test matches he captained, he lost just 17 times with 11 draws.
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