Virat Kohli has decided to step down as India’s T20 captain after the ICC T20 World Cup. Kohli on Thursday made this announcement through his official twitter handle. The upcoming ICC event is scheduled to take place from Oct 17 to Nov 14 at UAE and Oman. Kohli will remain as India’s ODI and Test captain. MS Dhoni will be present with the team as a mentor.
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The news did not come as a surprise as there were reports suggesting over the past few days that India might adopt a split captaincy policy to manage Kohli’s workload. Rohit Sharma will take over as the captain of India in the shorter format. Kohli will continue to play in the T20 team as a batsman.
Kohli has addressed the issue and has said that he needs some space to fully lead India in the ODI and test format. Kohli has had prolonged discussions with BCCI and the management regarding this matter.
“I have been fortunate enough to not only represent India but also lead the Indian Cricket Team to my utmost capability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the 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 each and every Indian who prayed for us to win.
“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 have 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 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,” Kohli wrote in his statement.
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Kohli took over the responsibility in 2017 when MS Dhoni stepped down as the captain in the shorter format. This will be the first time Kohli will lead India in the ICC T20 World Cup. Earlier he has led India to the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 and to the semi finals of the ICC ODI World Cup in 2019.
Soon after Kohli posted this news on social media, fans started trending ‘King Kohli’ along with ‘Good Decision’. The fans are appreciating Kohli’s bold decision.
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