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“People are trying to dig up things that doesn't exist” - Virat Kohli irked by question on quitting T20I captaincy

“People are trying to dig up things that doesn't exist” - Virat Kohli irked by question on quitting T20I captaincy

Kohli will lead India in the T20 World Cup for the last time as T20I captain.

Virat Kohli will lead India in T20 World Cup 2021 | Getty Images

Indian captain Virat Kohli on Saturday (October 23) was irked after a journalist asked him about the reason behind his decision to quit as T20I captain of Team India after the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021.

Kohli had announced his decision last month just ahead of the UAE-leg of IPL 2021, and later also confirmed that he won't lead Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as well after the season.

Kohli cited his workload and difficulty of playing and leading in three formats as the reason behind him quitting the captaincy from the shortest format but some media reports suggested he might have been pressurized into doing so, something that he and the BCCI have categorically denied.

Kohli has won a lot of bilateral series, both home and away, but is yet to win an ICC title as captain and that has often led to criticism about his captaincy. He also failed to win a IPL title as captain of RCB.

Speaking during a virtual press conference facilitated by the ICC ahead of India's opening game against Pakistan on October 24, Kohli said, "I have already explained myself a lot and I don't think I need to harp on that anymore,"

"Our focus is to play well in this World Cup and do what we need to do as a team. Rest people are trying to dig up things that doesn't exist and I am not someone who is ever going to give fodder to that," Kohli, who was visibly irritated at the question, said. 

READ ALSO: ‘Hardik’s physical condition is getting better’, Kohli expects all-rounder to bowl at least 2 overs

"I have explained myself very honestly and openly and if people feel there's more to it that what I have already told, I feel pretty bad for them. That's certainly not the case." he added.

India have not yet confirmed who will lead the team in T20Is after Virat Kohli, but it is expected that vice-captain Rohit Sharma will be awarded the captaincy having done well as stand-in for Kohli at times and leading Mumbai Indians (MI) to five IPL titles since 2013.

(With ICC/PTI inputs)

 
 

By Saurabh Malhotra - 23 Oct, 2021

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