Kapil Dev reacts as Virat Kohli steps down as India’s Test captain

Virat Kohli’s resignation as India’s Test captain is set to be a hot topic of discussion in the cricket circle for a while. The 33-year-old took to social media platforms on Saturday (January 15) and informed about his major decision. It must be noted that Kohli is no more India’s white-ball captain as well. Hence, the Cape Town Test against South Africa was the veteran cricketer’s last leadership assignment in national colours.

Meanwhile, Kohli, who took over the role from MS Dhoni in 2015, enjoyed a sensational run as India’s Test captain. Having led the team to 40 wins in 68 games, the right-handed batter finishes as the country’s most successful captain in the purest format. However, his numbers dipped down in the last couple of years as many felt the leadership burden is getting the better of him.

Virat Kohli was going through a rough time ever since he gave up the T20 captaincy: Kapil Dev

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev also has a similar opinion. “I welcome Virat’s decision to quit the Test captaincy. He was going through a rough time ever since he gave up the T20 captaincy. He has looked tense in recent times, appeared to be under a lot of pressure. So giving up the captaincy was an option in order to play freely. He opted for that,” Kapil told mid-day on Saturday.

“He is a mature man. I am sure he must have thought hard before taking this important decision. Maybe, he wasn’t enjoying the captaincy. We have to support him and wish him luck,” he added. Speaking of the prospect of Kohli playing under younger players, Kapil said the 33-year-old has to give up his ego.

“Even Sunil Gavaskar played under me. I played under K Srikkanth and Mohammed Azharuddin. I had no ego. Virat will have to give up his ego and play under a young cricketer. This will help him and Indian cricket. Virat should guide the new captain, new players. We cannot lose Virat, the batsman…no way,” concluded Kapil.

Meanwhile, Kohli is set to feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, where he’ll play under KL Rahul. The series gets underway on January 19.