BCCI officials laud Virat Kohli as 'once in a generation cricketer' and 'one of the finest captains'

President Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah and Treasurer Arun Dhumal lauded Kohli for his captaincy tenure.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lauded Virat Kohli after he stepped down as the Indian Test captain on January 15, 2022. This brought an end to Kohli’s tenure as India captain in all three formats, which had started in 2014-15.

Kohli posted on social media while announcing his decision to quit India’s Test captaincy. He had previously stepped down as India T20I captain after the T20 World Cup 2021 and was later sacked as the ODI captain after much controversy.

Under Kohli, India won 40 out of 68 Tests, a record which made him one of the most successful Test captains in world cricket.

The BCCI posted a rich tribute to Virat Kohli, the captain, and called him "one of the finest captains" and "once in a generation" cricketer.

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"I personally thank Virat for his immense contributions as captain of the Indian cricket team. Under his leadership, the Indian cricket team has made rapid strides in all formats of the game. His decision is a personal one and the BCCI respects it immensely," BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said in a statement.

"He will continue to be a very important member of this team and take this team to newer heights with his contributions with the bat under a new captain. Every good thing comes to an end and this has been a very good one," Ganguly added.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said: "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 have been second to none. To lead India in 40 Test wins is proof that he led the side with aplomb.

He led the team to some of its finest Test matches 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.” 

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Virat Kohli became the first India captain to register a Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 and won the red-ball series in Sri Lanka, and West Indies as well. He won 11 out 11 Test series at home, keeping the team unbeaten on its own soil.

Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President, BCCI: “A cricketer like Virat comes once in a generation and Indian cricket is fortunate to have him serve the team as a leader. 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.”

“With his never-say-die attitude, Virat gave his all to the side as a 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. 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,” Arun Singh Dhumal, Honorary Treasurer, BCCI added.

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

(PTI/ BCCI inputs)