Virat Kohli to step down as skipper in T20 format after WC to focus on batting

Virat Kohli to step down from India's T20I captaincy after ICC T20 World Cup.

Virat Kohli steps down as India's T20I Captain (Image: Twitter)

Virat Kohli to step down as skipper in T20 format after WC to focus on batting

In the past few days, there was considerable buzz on social media platforms, various news websites and amongst followers of the game about Virat Kohli relinquishing captaincy duties from T20I format.

This has been a topic of debate for many around India and the world. Well, Virat Kohli has decided to step down as India’s T20I captain after the end of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

Kohli took to Twitter on Thursday evening where he posted that he will be stepping down from the T20I captaincy.

Kohli said in a note: “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," he added.

Workload management comes to forefront

India's premier batter stressed on the importance of workload management and said that he needs to focus on his batting and be ready to lead his country in Tests and ODIs.

"Understanding the 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," he stated.

"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 UAE and Oman in October," he further said.

"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,” he concluded.

Rohit Sharma likely contender for top role in shortest format

After the T20 World Cup, it is likely that India vice captain and Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma will take over the reign from Kohli for at least the next 3-4 years.

Virat Kohli will be available for selection in the T20I team after the World Cup and will continue to captain Team India in ODIs and Test Cricket.

Before the World Cup begins, Virat Kohli has captained India in 45 T20I matches, winning 27 and losing 14 with a win percentage of 65.11 per cent while Rohit Sharma has captained in 19 T20Is and won 15 with a win percentage of 78.94 per cent albeit in the absence of the regular captain Kohli.

It is the Indian Premier League where Rohit Sharma has risen as a megastar in the shortest format and proven to be one of the best IPL captains leading Mumbai Indians to five titles while Kohli who has been captaining Royal Challengers Bangalore for 10 years has managed only one final appearance and not even a single title for his franchise.

Split captaincy the way forward?

Split captaincy has proven to be a success for teams like England and Australia and with the experience of Rohit Sharma and the workload of Kohli, this decision could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Kohli to focus on his batting and be back at the top in all three formats.

India begin their T20 World Cup campaign with a group match against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 24.

Twitter Reactions as Virat Kohli Steps down as T20I Captaincy

Virat Kohli vis his twitter handle announced that he will not be captaining Team India in T20 format after the ICC T20 World Cup and left a heartfelt note. A lot of fans and former players had mixed reactions about his decision.

Checkout some of the finest Twitter Reactions here:

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