Virat Kohli quit as India’s Test captain in January 2022 after losing a three-match series in South Africa.
Why did Virat Kohli quit as India’s Test captain?
The question continues to perplex Indian cricket. With former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly now claiming the board was caught off guard by the stunning decision, it only adds another layer to the mystery.
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Following the conclusion of the South Africa tour in 2022, Kohli stunned everyone by stepping down from the role. Sourav Ganguly says only the batting superstar can reveal the reason why he took the call.
“BCCI was not prepared for Virat Kohli leaving the Test captaincy,” Sourav Ganguly was quoted by India Today. “It was unexpected for us after the South Africa tour. Only Virat Kohli can reveal why he left captaincy. There is no point talking about this now.”
Rohit Sharma, who had already replaced the Indian team’s official white-ball captain, took the reins of the Test team as well.
“The selectors needed a captain after Virat left and Rohit was the ideal at that time. He won five IPL trophies and did well internationally. He (also) won the Asia Cup. He was the most viable option,” Ganguly said.
Two years ago, we lost to the WTC final. We reached the T20 World Cup semifinals. So, the selectors picked that person who was best for the job,” he added.
However, like Kohli, India have remained a dominant force at bilateral events. However, their wait for a first ICC title since 2013 continues with a defeat in the World Test Championship final last weekend being the latest setback.
