Virat Kohli to step down as India T20I captain after T20 World Cup

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Virat Kohli confirmed on Thursday, September 16, that he will step down as India's T20I captain after the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. The 32-year-old, who had taken over as the all-format captain from MS Dhoni back in January 2017, will continue to lead the team in Tests and ODIs.

Kohli highlighted the workload management as a major reason for his call, and stated that he’ll continue leading the team in the game’s longer versions.

"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 the 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," Kohli wrote in his statement on Twitter. 

"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."

Kohli revealed that he had contemplated over the idea and took the call after discussions with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah, the selectors, head coach Ravi Shastri and the white-ball vice-captain Rohit Sharma.

"Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time,” he said. “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 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. 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."

Kohli has led India in 45 T20Is till date, of which the team won 27, thereby making a healthy win percentage of 65.11. Rohit, who has won 15 of his 19 T20Is while captaining the side in Kohli’s absence is the likely candidate to take over.

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