Plenty of praise poured in on social media for Virat Kohli after the India batter announced his decision to step down as Test captain.
Having left his role as T20I captain and been relinquished from the same position in ODIs last year, Kohli no longer holds any leadership positions in the India set-up.
He departs, however, as his country’s most successful skipper in the longest form, having secured 40 wins in 68 appearances. India did not lose a series at home during his tenure and celebrated two away series wins in Australia (though he missed three of the four Tests during the 2-1 win in 2020/21).
There were plenty of runs too, with Kohli hitting 20 centuries as India captain and averaging 54.8 with the bat.
Legendary figures of the game weighed in after Kohli revealed his decision on Saturday.
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
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
There was a heartfelt message from Ravi Shastri, head coach for a large part of Kohli’s time as Test captain.
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
Current and former teammates had their say.
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 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
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
7 years. #IndianCricket will remember @imVkohli as one of the most successful leaders in its history. The staggering win percentage & aggression lifted Indian cricket to a new height. We should respect his decision. Congrats for the amazing tenure as Captain. #ViratKohli #BCCI
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) January 15, 2022
Congratulations @imVkohli on your successful captaincy career. Be proud of your accomplishments. Keep making India proud as always🇮🇳🤗 #ViratKohli https://t.co/COSLfvK371
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) January 15, 2022
Yes everything has be an end & 7 years of wonderful journey came to end, thnk you for your contribution to #TeamIndia as #Captain and taking Test cricket at next level. We are with you in your Decision and hoping best out you as individual in upcoming days @imVkohli https://t.co/D4pwzBwTrZ
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) January 15, 2022
Thank you for all the memories I’ve shared with you in dressing room & on & off the field since childhood, where we never thought that you would be our captain & I’ll play 100 test matches for India.
All we did was just play cricket with all our heart & things worked out well😇 pic.twitter.com/0LhXJmxTaO
— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) January 15, 2022
Thank you for everything skip! ❤️ https://t.co/KtuEhoSh31
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) January 15, 2022
