He had given up the T20I captaincy, as well as that of his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and then he was removed from the ODI captaincy. But when Virat Kohli announced his decision to step down as India's Test captain, it took everyone by surprise, understandably. Firstly, there was the suddenness of it, despite the defeat in South Africa, and secondly, he has led India to never-before heights in the format, and is fourth on the list of most successful Test captains ever. Here's a look at the reactions from the cricket community following Kohli's announcement.
Under Virats leadership Indian cricket has made rapid strides in all formats of the game ..his decision is a personal one and bcci respects it immensely ..he will be an important member to take this team to newer heights in the future.A great player.well done ..@BCCI @imVkohli
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) January 15, 2022
Virat, you can go with your head held high. Few have achieved what you have as captain. Definitely India's most aggressive and successful. Sad day for me personally as this is the team we built together - @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/lQC3LvekOf
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) January 15, 2022
Cricket captains will always be spoken about with respect to their records and the kind of triumphs they managed, but your legacy as a captain will stand for the kind of benchmarks you have set. There will be people who will talk about wins in Australia, England , Sl etc etc
— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) January 16, 2022
A leader in every sense. Can't thank you enough for all that you've done, Skip.@imVkohli pic.twitter.com/IJlkX6aEoV
— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) January 15, 2022
Integrity, insight and inclusivity.
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) January 15, 2022
Your contribution to the team as captain is invaluable, you've been a great leader to this side. It's been a pleasure playing under you. pic.twitter.com/K5iwPIuplZ
So cheers to your most successful Test Captaincy for India and thanks for the amazing memories as a Captain you have given us @imVkohli
— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) January 15, 2022
Congratulations on a successful stint as a captain, @imVkohli.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 15, 2022
You always gave 100% for the team and you always will. Wishing you all the very best for the future. pic.twitter.com/CqOWtx2mQ7
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
Virat bhai, you have been an amazing leader and an inspiration, and I know you'll continue to be one. @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/naxNpPHBaV
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) January 16, 2022
Congrats @imVkohli on what you and your team has achieved under your leadership and thankyou for supporting test cricket so passionately and insuring that it stays the number 1 form of the game https://t.co/zlePdPQZG0
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 16, 2022
Congratulations @imVkohli on a stunning run as the Indian captain. You can be very proud of what you have achieved so far, and for sure, your name will be up there among the best leaders in world cricket https://t.co/DieCKL4bhE
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) January 15, 2022
Whoaaa…didn't see that coming. #Kohli
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 15, 2022
It's been a remarkable journey King Kohli @imVkohli! Very few have been able to achieve what you have. Gave your all and played like a true champion each time. May you grow from strength to strength! Onwards and upwards
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) 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
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
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
