BCCI said Virat Kohli was “one of the finest captains” and a “once in a generation” cricketer in its tribute after the star batter quit as Test captain and asserted that it was a personal decision, the cricket body said.
Several days after an unexpected 1-2 series loss to South Africa, Kohli ended his seven-year reign as India’s most successful Test captain.
Kohli led India to 40 wins out of 68 Tests, a record that made him one of the most successful test captains in history.
Kohli’s strained relationship with the BCCI recently made headlines when he resigned as T20 captain and was then sacked as ODI captain. Ganguly had claimed that they asked Kohli to stay till the T20 World Cup, a claim which Kohli denied. Kohli has been the most successful Test captain India has ever had. In the 68 Test matches he led India in following Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s retirement, he achieved 40 victories at 58.82 win percentage.
Against Sri Lanka in 2015, he recorded India’s first series win in the Emerald Island after 22 years, his first series win as Test captain.
“Virat Kohli has been one of the finest captains to have ever led the Indian cricket team. His record and contribution towards the team as a leader has been second to none. To lead India in 40 Test wins is proof that he led the side with style,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah remarked.
He also added that he led the Indian cricket team to some of its finest Test match victories – including in Australia, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and South Africa – and his achievements will inspire the fellow and upcoming cricketers who aspire to represent their country.
“We wish Virat the best for the future and hope that he will continue to make memorable contributions on the field for the Indian team.” Under Kohli’s leadership, India also registered their first Test series win in Australia in 2018, clinched series in the West Indies, attained the No.1 spot in Test rankings and later in the subsequent years marched into the maiden ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021.
In addition, Kohli has won 24 of the 31 home Tests he has played as captain, losing just two of them.
“A cricketer like Virat comes once in a generation and Indian cricket is fortunate to have him serve the team as a leader,” said BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla in a statement.
“He captained the side with passion and aggression and played a pivotal part in many of India’s memorable wins at home and abroad. We wish him the best for his career ahead.” Kohli is India’s most successful Test captain, followed by MS Dhoni with 27 wins in 60 games, and Ganguly with 21.
Kohli also ranks fourth on the list of most victories as a Test captain, behind South Africa’s Graeme Smith (53) and the Australian duo of Ricky Ponting (48) and Steve Waugh (41).
“With his never-say-die attitude, Virat gave his all to the side as leader and his fabulous record as a captain speaks for that. From the moment he became India’s Test captain, he made sure that India always strives for excellence and dominates world cricket,” remarked BCCI Treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal.
“While Virat – the batsman – remained a powerhouse, Virat – the captain – did not leave any stone unturned, powering the team to some of its finest performances across the globe. I wish him all the very best for the future.”
Rohit Sharma is expected to lead India in tests in addition to captaining the side in white-ball matches.
