'The best ever' - Cricketing fraternity after Virat Kohli steps down as India's Test captain

Virat Kohli has by far been the best Indian Test skipper of all time, as the stats show and on Saturday (January 15), he came out with a shocking announcement. The 33-year-old gave up India’s captaincy in the longer format. The decision comes after the 2-1 defeat against South Africa recently and it has to be noted that he has already given up captaincy in T20 internationals after the T20 World cup 2021. Rohit Sharma was named the new captain for India in limited-overs cricket.

Kohli captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40 of them and losing just 17 with a win percentage of 58.82. Having taken over the captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014, Kohli has been phenomenal in terms of building a strong squad. He also was one of the main reasons behind the development of the fast bowlers in India as he kept backing them in overseas conditions.

Kohli was just one more Test win away from equalling the third most successful Test captain overall in the game and his records have been outstanding. He led the side to the finals of the first-ever World Test Championship in 2021 against New Zealand but could not get over the line. He was also the first-ever captain for India to win a Test series in Australia, and almost in England (2-1 lead) until Covid-19 hit the series.

Here’s Virat Kohli’s tweet:

🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022

In his Twitter post, Kohli had specially mentioned thanking BCCI and MS Dhoni for the support and belief they have had in him over the years as a captain. He also noted about giving his 120 percent every time he steps into the field and that has been visible for the fans when he is on and off the field.

Kohli’s aggressive captaincy and his love for the format is something that will be missed for a long time and it is unfortunate that he had to give up captaincy after a loss in South Africa. Meanwhile, the cricketing fraternity and the fans were shocked to know about Kohli’s decision.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Well done baba you can be proud of what you have achieved with this team. me & the entire country is proud of you @imVkohli https://t.co/PCOp1FHuce

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) January 15, 2022

Many Congratulations #ViratKohli on an outstanding career as India's Test Captain. Stats don't lie & he was not only the most successful Indian Test Captain but one of the most successful in the world. Can be very proud @imVkohli & looking forward to watch u dominate with the bat

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 15, 2022

Although I also am shocked by @imVkohli sudden decision, I respect his call. I can only applaud him for what he has done for world cricket & India. Easily one of the most aggressive and fittest players India has had. Hope he’d continue to shine for India as a player. pic.twitter.com/W9hJGAYqhv

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 15, 2022

It’s always an honour to lead the dynamic Indian team. And the decision to step down is an emotional heavy moment. A journey well travelled #ViratKohli #captain @imVkohli

— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) January 15, 2022

Not the news which I wanted to read but you have done some amazing job as a leader to #IndianCricketTeam be proud of yourself @imVkohli

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) January 15, 2022

Big announcement. Did not see this coming!#ViratKohli https://t.co/nu8FqC62kZ

— Abhinav mukund (@mukundabhinav) January 15, 2022

#ViratKohli has been the most successful Test captain for India and he can take pride in his accomplishments. Congratulations for a fine innings as captain.#CricketTwitter

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) January 15, 2022

Indian cricket always had a leader who added a different value to the team and inculcated some of their characteristics to make a difference. Virat will always be remembered as an aggressive leader who changed the way everyone looked at fitness. #thankyouVirat 😇 https://t.co/9sBa0KBy0V

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) January 15, 2022

Whenever the talk of Indian cricket captains will arise in test cricket @imVkohli ‘s name will be up there,not only for results but the kind of impact he had as a captain. Thank you #ViratKohli

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 15, 2022

Virat Kohli (C) forever 🇮🇳🤗

— Riyan Parag (@ParagRiyan) January 15, 2022

When Virat took over as Test captain, India winning a test overseas was an achievement, now if India lose an overseas test series it is an upset. And that's how far he has taken Indian cricket forward, and that will be his legacy. Congratulations on successful reign @imVkohli 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/My2MOXNwMc

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 15, 2022

Kohli stepped down as Test Captain 🤔🤨🧐

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 15, 2022

Whoaaa…didn’t see that coming. #Kohli

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 15, 2022

👀👀👀 https://t.co/550yIuQsBM

— Ian “ Ja Mo” Bishop (@irbishi) January 15, 2022

Wow…to say I am surprised would be lying, however it will be strange not seeing Virat captaining. Though everyone’s time must come to end, as they say. Thank you driving the global game through your leadership especially in the Test arena 🙏🏽 https://t.co/ZsIZ4NNbYM

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 15, 2022

Whatever you do, please don’t quit test cricket.
We won’t be ready for that for a few years atleast 🙏🏼 #Virat

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) January 15, 2022

Most wickets/Tests by pacers under an Indian captain:

8.69 : Virat Kohli*
8.44 : Rahul Dravid
7.77 : MS Dhoni #ViratKohli

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) January 15, 2022

Virat Kohli as Test captain

Matches 68
Wins 40
Losses 17
Draws 11

Win% 58.9

Led India to first ever Test series win in Australia

Has left a rich legacy as a leader.

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) January 15, 2022

India’s biggest win by runs in Tests : 372 runs (v NZ, Mumbai, 2021)

India’s biggest win by an inn in Tests: Inn & 272 runs (v WI, Rajkot, 2018)

Both came under the captaincy of Virat Kohli.#ViratKohli

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) January 15, 2022