New Delhi: Summarizing Virat Kohli’s illustrious tenure as Test captaincy, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said, “Your legacy as a captain will live up to the standards set by you.” Other members of the Indian cricket team also praised Kohli’s spirit and called him a charismatic captain. Kohli was appointed captain in the middle of the 2014-15 tour of Australia following the resignation of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He announced his resignation as the captain of the Test team on Saturday.
He is India’s most successful captain in Tests. The 33-year-old has won 40 of his 68 matches as captain, with success in Australia and England last year being the highlights of his tenure. It was under Kohli’s leadership that the Indian team emerged as a strong force in all conditions and started winning successively overseas. Ashwin tweeted, “Cricket captains are always talked about their records and the way they win, but your legacy as a captain will reflect the kind of standards you set. People will talk about wins in Australia, England and Sri Lanka.”
“Victory is just a result and seeds are always sown well before harvest. The kind of seed you have succeeded in sowing is the kind of standard you have set for yourself and the same is expected of the rest of us.” Ashwin further wrote, “Very good Virat Kohli. The benchmark you set for your successor is one of my biggest lessons from your tenure as captain. We should give responsibility to others in such a place from where we can reach higher in future.
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Veteran India and Delhi pacer Ishant Sharma, who played with Kohli as a child, recalled their conversation during the 2017-18 tour of South Africa when Kohli told him that India needed to start winning in overseas conditions. Ishant wrote on Twitter, “Thank you for all the memories shared with you in the dressing room and on and off the field from childhood where we never thought you would be our captain and I would play 100 test matches for India . We did our work with all our heart and things went well.”
He wrote, “I still remember your words when you told me in South Africa in 2017 that it was time to win series in these countries. Yes, we didn’t win 2017-18 in Africa, but we went to Australia and beat Australia in their country. We lost in the 2017-18 series in England, but as a team we know how close we were to victory.” He wrote, “Congratulations on your most successful Test captaincy for India and thank you for the wonderful memories as a captain.” Kohli’s decision to step down from the Test captaincy left everyone stunned and India’s limited overs captain Rohit Sharma was no different.
Rohit wrote on Instagram, “Surprised??? But congratulations on a successful stint as the Indian captain.” It was under Kohli’s leadership that India’s fast bowling unit emerged strong in Tests. He always supported his fast bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami thanked the former captain for his contribution. Bumrah said, “Honesty, insight and inclusivity. Your contribution to the team as captain is priceless, you have been a great captain of this team. It’s a pleasure to play under your leadership.”
Shami tweeted, “The epitome of leadership. The man who propelled a team to victory overseas. Congratulations on a great performance as the captain of Team India. Looking forward to contributing more from you right off the bat.” Openers Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal also congratulated Kohli for his excellent captaincy.
Dhawan tweeted, “Congratulations for taking the Indian team to the top. Virat, it was a pleasure to play under your leadership.” Rahul said, “A leader in every sense. Thank you is a small word for all you have done.” Mayank wrote, “Congratulations to Virat Kohli on a wonderful stint as captain. It was an honor to play under your leadership. You have instilled a winning mindset in everyone. Your passion and dedication towards the game is an inspiration. Thanks captain.” (agency)