'India's most aggressive and successful' – Tributes flow in as Kohli quits Test captaincy
After leading the Test team for over seven years, Kohli stepped down from captaincy in Test cricket after the 1-2 Test series loss to South Africa. India's most successful Test captain, Kohli led India to 40 wins in 68 Tests and took them to the top of the ICC Test Rankings.
Several teammates and former players reacted to the news after he announced his decision on social media.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022
Former head coach Ravi Shastri was quick to state his admiration for the outgoing skipper, penning a heartfelt tribute. Other Indian cricket luminaries were gracious with their praise too.
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
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
When Virat took over as Test captain, India winning a test overseas was an achievement, now if India lose an overseas test series it is an upset. And that's how far he has taken Indian cricket forward, and that will be his legacy. Congratulations on successful reign @imVkohli 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/My2MOXNwMc
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 15, 2022
Hanuma Vihari was among the first to wish him from the current Indian Test team.
Congrats on a fantastic captaincy stint Virat 👏👏. Lots of special memories. Wishing you the best always! pic.twitter.com/6oreJ9EFjd
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) January 16, 2022
Congratulations @imVkohli on a fantastic term as captain. It was an absolute honour playing under your leadership. Someone who led by example. You have created a winning mentality in everyone. Your passion and dedication towards the game is an inspiration. Thank you, Skips 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/od0pg4hJzG
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) January 15, 2022
have left behind for your successor and that’s my biggest takeaway from your stint as captain. “We must leave a place at such an altitude that the future can only take it higher from there on “ 👏👏👏 #Virat #CricketTwitter
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 16, 2022
I still remember back 2017 in South Africa, where u told me its high time to win series in these countries. Yes, we didn’t win 2017-18 series in Africa, but we went to Australia & beat them in Australia. In England 2017-18 series we lost, but we know as team how close we came! pic.twitter.com/2ehe6Sp6yi
— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) January 15, 2022
Thank you for everything skip! ❤️ https://t.co/KtuEhoSh31
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) January 15, 2022
Whenever the talk of Indian cricket captains will arise in test cricket @imVkohli ‘s name will be up there,not only for results but the kind of impact he had as a captain. Thank you #ViratKohli
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 15, 2022
Former players and commentators also chipped in with their tributes for Kohli's Test captaincy.
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
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
#ViratKohli has been the most successful Test captain for India and he can take pride in his accomplishments. Congratulations for a fine innings as captain.#CricketTwitter
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) January 15, 2022
Wow…to say I am surprised would be lying, however it will be strange not seeing Virat captaining. Though everyone’s time must come to end, as they say. Thank you driving the global game through your leadership especially in the Test arena 🙏🏽 https://t.co/ZsIZ4NNbYM
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 15, 2022
Virat Kohli can be very proud of what he achieved as a test match captain. The numbers will tell a story but they won't tell you of his fierce desire to play and win at test cricket.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 15, 2022