Virat Kohli announced that he would step down as India’s T20I captain post the completion of the T20 World Cup 2021 that will take place in UAE and Oman from 17 October to 14 November.
Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad was surprised by Kohli’s decision and said that the batsman might have felt over-burdened which could have taken a toll on him mentally.
"It is a little surprising that the decision was announced before the T20 World Cup. But then, the stress he must be carrying due to the bubble life and moving on from one bubble to another (could have also impacted). It is clearly visible and that has impacted his mindset,” Prasad said while speaking to Sportstar.
“Virat is someone who has scored 70 centuries (43 in ODIs and 27 in Tests) in a decade has achieved something unbelievable and has set high standards. Probably, the bubble life had an impact on his individual performance, and that would have perhaps made him take such a decision before the T20 World Cup. Maybe, he wanted to unburden himself by letting go of one format,” he added.
He said that Kohli has been a very good T20I captain, winning series in Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, and West Indies.
"Under Virat’s captaincy, it has only been a high for Indian cricket in T20s. We have achieved success in New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa, Australia, and this T20 World Cup will be the first mega T20I event under his captaincy," he said.
The former selector added that the decision to step down for T20I captaincy would unburden him and he can lead the team without pressure in the T20 World Cup.
“This decision will de-stress him and unburden him a bit because he knows that he will be letting go of one of one format after the tournament and that will perhaps free him a bit in the mega event,” Prasad concluded.
(Sportstar inputs)
