'Thank You Captain', Wishes Pour In For Virat Kohli After Shock Resignation

Virat Kohli stepped down from India's Test captaincy on Friday in a social media post. Kohli's decision comes after India failed to win their maiden Test series in South Africa on Friday. India lost 2-1.

Under Virat Kohli, India played the inaugural World Test Championship Final against New Zealand at Lord's.

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Updated: 15 Jan 2022 9:06 pm

Virat Kohli took everyone by surprise on a Saturday evening when he announced his decision to quit India’s Test captaincy following a 2-1 series defeat against South Africa the previous day in Cape Town. India had won the first Test but lost the next two as India failed to win their maiden Test series win in the Rainbow Nation. (More Cricket News)

In a statement posted on social media, Kohli said: “Every thing has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it's now. There have been many ups and also some downs along the journey but there has never been lack of effort or lack of belief.”

Kohli was appointed the captain of the Indian Test team in 2014 replacing then skipper MS Dhoni. Since Kohli’s decision to quit, wishes have started to pour in for one of the best batsmen in modern-day cricket.

BCCI congratulated Kohli for taking India to new heights in world cricket in the longest format. “BCCI congratulates #TeamIndia captain @imVkohli for his admirable leadership qualities that took the Test team to unprecedented heights. He led India in 68 matches and has been the most successful captain with 40 wins,” BCCI tweeted.

BCCI congratulates #TeamIndia captain @imVkohli for his admirable leadership qualities that took the Test team to unprecedented heights. He led India in 68 matches and has been the most successful captain with 40 wins. https://t.co/oRV3sgPQ2G
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 15, 2022

Once a dressing room partner for KohIi, former India opener Virender Sehwag wrote, “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.”

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

Suresh Raina, who quit international cricket back in 2020, was shocked by Kohli’s decision. “Although I also am shocked by @imVkohli sudden decision, I respect his call. I can only applaud him for what he has done for world cricket & India. Easily one of the most aggressive and fittest players India has had. Hope he’d continue to shine for India as a player,” Raina said.

Although I also am shocked by @imVkohli sudden decision, I respect his call. I can only applaud him for what he has done for world cricket & India. Easily one of the most aggressive and fittest players India has had. Hope he’d continue to shine for India as a player. pic.twitter.com/W9hJGAYqhv
— Suresh RainaðÂÂÂÂ®ðÂÂÂÂ³ (@ImRaina) January 15, 2022

BCCI secretary Jah Shah also congratulated Kohli. “Congratulations to @imVkohli on a tremendous tenure as #TeamIndia captain. Virat turned the team into a ruthless fit unit that performed admirably both in India and away. The Test wins in Australia & England have been special,” tweeted Shah.

Congratulations to @imVkohli on a tremendous tenure as #TeamIndia captain. Virat turned the team into a ruthless fit unit that performed admirably both in India and away. The Test wins in Australia & England have been special. https://t.co/9Usle3MbbQ
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 15, 2022

Kohli’s IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) called the talisman an ‘inspiration’. “You’ve been an inspiration and a leader par excellence. Thank you for taking Indian cricket forward like only you could have. Thank you for the memories, King! You’ll always be our Captain Kohli,” tweeted RCB.

You’ve been an inspiration and a leader par excellence. Thank you for taking Indian cricket forward like only you could have. ðÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂðÂÂÂÂÂÂ»
Thank you for the memories, King! You’ll always be our Captain Kohli. ðÂÂÂ¤©#PlayBold #TeamIndia #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/M9n9Dl3iCq
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 15, 2022

Former India coach Ravi Shastri, whom Kohli mentioned in his step down letter, also wished his captain.

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 ðÂÂÂÂÂÂ®ðÂÂÂÂÂÂ³ we built together - @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/lQC3LvekOf
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) January 15, 2022

West Indies great Sir Vivian Richards said, "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."

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 ðÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ https://t.co/DieCKL4bhE
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) 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 ðÂÂÂðÂÂ» pic.twitter.com/My2MOXNwMc
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 15, 2022

4ï¸ÂâÂ£0ï¸ÂâÂ£ wins in 6ï¸ÂâÂ£8ï¸ÂâÂ£ Tests!
Virat Kohli steps down as India's most successful Test captain ðÂÂÂ
Read more: https://t.co/D0qfZJLRjP pic.twitter.com/2pnr6iJ7qd
— ICC (@ICC) 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