Virat Kohli quits captaincy: In a stunning turn of events, Virat Kohli has stepped down as the Test captain following India’s 1-2 series loss to South Africa. In a statement, posted on Twitter, he announced his decision on Saturday. After he resigned from T20I captaincy, he was removed from ODI captaincy ahead of the South Africa series.
“It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance everyday 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,” Virat Kohli said in a statement.
Virat Kohli quits captaincy: After T20I and ODI, Virat Kohli steps down as Test captain – Follow Live Updates
Virat Kohli has been India’s most successful Test captain. Since taking over from MS Dhoni as full-time Test captain in 2015, Virat Kohli won 40 in 68 matches. In the world, he is amongst the top 5 captains as per win-loss ratio. Under his captaincy, India reached World No 1 status in Test.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022
“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,” he added.
Virat Kohli quits captaincy: After T20I and ODI, Virat Kohli steps down as Test captain – Follow Live Updates
BCCI congratulates #TeamIndia captain @imVkohli for his admirable leadership qualities that took the Test team to unprecedented heights. He led India in 68 matches and has been the most successful captain with 40 wins. https://t.co/oRV3sgPQ2G
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 15, 2022
“I want to thank the BCCI for giving me the opportunity to lead my country for such a long period of time and more importantly to all the teammates who bought into the vision I had for the team from clay one and never gave up in any situation. You guys have made this journey so memorable and beautiful. To Ravi Bhai and the support group who were the engine behind this vehicle that moved us upwards in Test Cricket consistently, you all have played a massive role in bringing this vision to life. Lastly, a big thank you to MS Dhoni who believed in me as a Captain and found me to be an able individual who could take Indian Cricket forward,” Virat Kohli said.
Virat Kohli quits captaincy: After T20I and ODI, Virat Kohli steps down as Test captain – Follow Live Updates
Most successful Test captains:
- Graeme Smith (SA): Matches 109 / Wins 53 / Lost 29 / % 48.62
- Ricky Ponting (Aus): Matches 77 / 48 Wins / Lost 16 / % 62.33
- Steve Waugh (Aus) Matches 57 / 41 Wins / Lost 9 / % 71.92
- Virat Kohli (IND): Matches 68 / 40 Wins / Lost 17 / % 58
Most successful Test captain of India:
| Player | Country | Career | Tests | Won | Lost | Drawn |
| Virat Kohli | India | 2014-22 | 68 | 40 (58.82%) | 17 (25.00%) | 11 (16.18%) |
| MS Dhoni | India | 2005-2014 | 60 | 27 (45.00%) | 18 (30.00%) | 15 (25.00%) |
| Sourav Ganguly | India | 1996-2008 | 49 | 21 (42.86%) | 13 (26.53%) | 15 (30.61%) |
| Mohd Azharuddin | India | 1984-2000 | 47 | 14 (29.79%) | 14 (29.79%) | 19 (40.43%) |
| Sunil Gavaskar | India | 1971-1987 | 47 | 9 (19.15%) | 8 (17.02%) | 30 (63.83%) |
| Nawab of Pataudi Jr | India | 1961-1975 | 40 | 9 (22.50%) | 19 (47.50%) | 12 (30.00%) |
| Kapil Dev | India | 1978-1994 | 34 | 4 (11.76%) | 7 (20.59%) | 22 (64.71%) |
| Rahul Dravid | India | 1996-2012 | 25 | 8 (32.00%) | 6 (24.00%) | 11 (44.00%) |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 1989-2013 | 25 | 4 (16.00%) | 9 (36.00%) | 12 (48.00%) |
| Bishan Singh Bedi | India | 1966-1979 | 22 | 6 (27.27%) | 11 (50.00%) | 5 (22.73%) |
