Ground Report | New Delhi: Virat Kohli to step down; India skipper Virat Kohli to step down as the captain of the limited-overs format. Rohit Sharma can take over instead of Virat Kohli, these changes in the command team will be made after the end of the T20 World Cup. Captain Kohli will continue to be the captain of the Indian Test team but will step down as T20I and ODI captain.
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Virat Kohli to step down
Kohli said in a statement: "I have been fortunate not only to represent India but also to lead the Indian cricket team to the best of my ability.
"I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as captain of the Indian cricket team. I could not have done this without them - the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coach and every Indian who prays."
"Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket.
He said, 'I have given everything to the team in my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman going forward.
“Of course, it took a long time to reach this decision. After much deliberation and discussion with people close to me, Ravi Bhai and Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I have decided to step down. In October As T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai.
"I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian Cricket and the Indian Team to the best of my ability."
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Kohli's performance as captain of India in all formats
- Test matches - 65 played / 38 won
- ODI - Played 95 / Won 65
- T20 - 45 played / 29 won
Can continue captaincy in Tests
The sources further said while talking to the newspaper, Virat Kohli also feels that he has responsibilities as a captain in all formats which are affecting his batting, for this, he needs to refresh himself as he has a team.
According to sources, if Rohit Sharma takes over the captaincy of ODI and T20 then Virat can continue his captaincy in Tests, Virat is 32 years old now and he can play international cricket for the next 5-6 years.
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