He said people should respect the honesty and decision of Virat Kohli.
Legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev was seemingly disappointed with Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as India’s T20I skipper after the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021, saying the right-hander is a great cricketer and a great captain, there was no need to announce it so early.
The former captain also found Kohli’s move as “strange”, as he felt the Indian skipper should talk to the selectors and the board before taking such a big decision to quit T20I captaincy.
Kapil Dev told ABP news: “I never thought of anything like this. But these days, I find it strange that cricketers decide themselves what to do and what not. I think selectors too should have a say on this. And I feel the cricketers should take to the selectors and the board before they take such a big decision. I think it's very important. There was no need to announce it so early. He is a brilliant player. Even if a season went bad, it doesn't change that he is a great cricketer and a great captain.”
However, Kohli, in his official announcement, clearly said that he discussed with national selectors, coaches, and teammate Rohit Sharma, as well as, BCCI officials before making his decision public and Kapil said he can’t really say anything on this matter and wished him luck.
The former skipper added, “If he has taken this decision and spoken to the selectors, it's ok. That's his personal decision. I can't really say anything. Cricketers these days make their own decisions. Just want to say 'well done. You have served the country so well. I wish you luck for the rest of your career.”
He concluded, “I think we should respect the honesty. He said he doesn't want to captain in a format, which is a big thing. MS Dhoni did this. The only thing I find strange that these announcements are made through tweets. This I can't understand. Cricketers these days can say that I don't want to play beyond a certain point or play only the IPL or only T20. They have the courage to say these things, so hats off to them.”