Kohli will be an important member to take India to newer heights: Ganguly

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has said Virat Kohli will remain an integral part of the Indian team despite stepping down as Test captain on Saturday (January 15).

Kohli-led India lost the Test series against South Africa recently after which the star batter announced his decision to quit Test captaincy on social media, thanking Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni in his statement.

"Under Virat's leadership Indian cricket has made rapid strides in all formats of the game ..his decision is a personal one and BCCI respects it immensely ..he will be an important member to take this team to newer heights in the future. A great player. well done ..@BCCI @imVkohli," he tweeted.

Kohli is India's most successful captain, having won 40 of his 68 matches in charge in the last eight years or so.

He recently stepped down as India T20I captain and was later informed that he will not be ODI captain as well, paving way for Rohit Sharma to take over in both formats.

Given that Rohit was appointed Kohli's deputy in Tests recently, he could be in line to take over as Test skipper as well. The BCCI is yet to make an announcement on the same.

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Kohli has been the most successful Test captain India has ever produced. After taking over the reins from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, he led India in 68 Test matches and secured 40 wins at a win percentage of 58.82.

As Test captain, he registered his first series win against Sri Lanka in 2015, a victory that India registered in the Emerald Island after 22 years.

"Virat Kohli has been one of the finest captains to have ever led the Indian cricket team. His record and contribution towards the team as a leader has been second to none. To lead India in 40 Test wins is proof that he led the side with aplomb," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said.

"He led the team to some of its finest Test match wins in India and overseas including Australia, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa and his efforts will inspire the fellow and upcoming cricketers who aspire to represent the country.

"We wish Virat the best for the future and hope that he will continue to make memorable contributions on the field for the Indian team."

Under Kohli's leadership, India also registered their first Test series win in Australia in 2018, clinched series in the West Indies, attained the No.1 spot in Test rankings and later in the subsequent years marched into the maiden ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021.

Kohli also holds the impeccable record of winning 24 out of the 31 Tests played at home as captain, having lost only two Tests. "A cricketer like Virat comes once in a generation and Indian cricket is fortunate to have him serve the team as a leader," said BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla.

"He captained the side with passion and aggression and played a pivotal part in many of India's memorable wins at home and abroad. We wish him the best for his career ahead."

While Kohli is India's most successful Test skipper, MS Dhoni is second in the list with 27 victories in 60 games and Ganguly comes third with 21 wins. Kohli also ranks fourth in the list of most victories as Test captain behind South Africa's Graeme Smith (53) and Australian duo of Ricky Ponting (48) and Steve Waugh (41).

"With his never-say-die attitude, Virat gave his all to the side as leader and his fabulous record as a captain speaks for that. From the moment he became India's Test captain, he made sure that India always strives for excellence and dominates world cricket," said Arun Singh Dhumal, BCCI Treasurer.

"While Virat the batsman remained a powerhouse, Virat the captain did not leave any stone unturned, powering the team to some of its finest performances across the globe. I wish him all the very best for the future."

It is expected that Rohit Sharma will now lead India in Tests apart from captaining the side the white-ball games.