Virat Kohli To Step Down As T20I Captain After 2021 World Cup, Says 'I Need To Give Myself Space'

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.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma | Photo Courtesy: AFP

New Delhi: Virat Kohli on Thursday took to Instagram to put out an official statement, announcing that he has decided to step down as the Indian cricket team's T20 captain after the T20 World Cup. With Virat stepping down as the captain for the shortest format after the marquee event in UAE and Oman, senior opener Rohit Sharma is likely to lead the national squad. The RCB captain will continue to lead India in Tests and ODIs.

Virat's announcement comes in the backdrop of media reports, that said that Rohit Sharma could take over the reins from Kohli anytime soon. 

"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," Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

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"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 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 T20Is, he had led India to four series victories, but what brings him under scanner is team India's performance in big events like the 50 over and 20 over World Cups and also the Champions Trophy. Virat hasn't been able to in a single major Trophy since he became the captain of Indian cricket team.