Virat Kohli to step down from T20I captaincy after 2021 World Cup

The upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE will be Virat Kohli's final tournament as India's T20I captain. On Thursday, Kohli announced that he will step down from his role in order to focus on ODIs and Tests.

The 33-year old said that he has arrived at the decision after discussing his plans with head coach Ravi Shastri and team vice-captain Rohit Sharma. 

"After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October," Kohli said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Kohli, who suceeded Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain in January 2017, led India in 45 T20Is has a win percentage of 67.4% having won 29 matches and lost 14.

"Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years players 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 during my time as T20 Captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 Team as a batsman moving forward."

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said in an official statement that the Board has been in discussions with Kohli over the past six months.

"We have a clear roadmap for Team India. Considering the workloads and ensuring that we have smooth transition, Mr Virat Kohli has decided to step down as T20I Captain after the upcoming World Cup," Shah said.

"I have been in discussions with Virat and the leadership team for the last six months and the decision has been thought through. Virat will continue to contribute as a player and as a senior member of the side in shaping the future course of Indian cricket," he added.

Board president Sourav Ganguly hailed Kohli for his contributions as a captain.

"Virat has been a true asset for Indian Cricket and has led with aplomb. He is one of the most successful captains in all the formats. The decision has been made keeping in mind the future roadmap. We thank Virat for his tremendous performance as the T20I Captain. We wish him all the best for the upcoming World Cup and beyond and hope that he continues to score plenty of runs for India," he said.