Virat Kohli has explained why he chose to step down as India’s Test captain. He mentioned that trying to maintain his batting performance while leading the team was challenging.
Kohli is considered one of India’s best Test captains in recent history. Under his leadership, the team played aggressively and achieved notable success. However, a disappointing series loss in South Africa in 2022 prompted him to resign from captaincy.
Kohli expressed how difficult it was to juggle his roles as captain and as a key batsman. Despite this, he aimed to support India’s Test team, which ultimately led to the end of his time as skipper.
“I found myself in a position where I was both the main player and the leader. I didn’t realize how much pressure that would create in my daily life. Driven by a desire to keep Indian Cricket at the top, I overlooked these challenges. By the time I stepped down from the captaincy, I was completely drained and overwhelmed,” Kohli said during the RCB Innovation Lab.
Kohli captained India in 68 Test matches, winning 40 of them. His win record is only surpassed by Australian legends Ricky Ponting (48), Steve Waugh (41), and former South African captain Graeme Smith (53).