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| Raina is 'shocked' after Kohli quits Test captaincy |
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New Delhi, Virat Kohli's sudden announcement to step down as India Test captain with immediate effect on Saturday has left former cricketer Suresh Raina "shocked".
Raina echoed the sentiments of Indian cricket fans. Taking it to Twitter, the ex cricketer said that "Although I also am shocked by Kohli's sudden decision, I respect his call".
"I can only applaud him for what he has done for world cricket & India. Easily one of the most aggressive and fittest players India has had. Hope he’d continue to shine for India as a player," Raina added.
Cricket commentator and former cricketer Aakash Chopra's instant reaction to the development was "Whoaaa…didn’t see that coming".
Kohli took the reins as Test captain for the first time against Australia in December 2014 as MS Dhoni was not part of the team due to an injury. He scored 115 in India's first innings, becoming the fourth Indian to score a century on Test captaincy debut.
His last game as skipper was the third and series-deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town, which India lost by seven wickets on January 14.
The likes of Virender Sehwag and Irfan Pathan heaped praises on Kohli for his contribution to the Indian Test cricket.
"Many Congratulations #ViratKohli on an outstanding career as India's Test Captain. Stats don't lie & he was not only the most successful Indian Test Captain but one of the most successful in the world. Can be very proud @imVkohli & looking forward to watch u dominate with the bat," wrote Sehwag.
Pathan said, "Whenever the talk of Indian cricket captains will arise in test cricket @imVkohli's name will be up there, not only for results but the kind of impact he had as a captain. Thank you #ViratKohli".
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri tweeted: "Virat, you can go with your head held high. Few have achieved what you have as captain. Definitely India's most aggressive and successful. Sad day for me personally as this is the team we built together."
"It’s been a remarkable journey King Kohli @imVkohli! Very few have been able to achieve what you have. Gave your all and played like a true champion each time. May you grow from strength to strength! Onwards and upwards," said Yuvraj Singh.
In a statement released on Twitter, Kohli said, "It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Every thing has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now."
In September 2021, Kohli had announced that he would give up T20 leadership following the T20 World Cup 2021. After the showpiece event, where India were eliminated in the group stage, the BCCI removed Kohli as ODI captain and appointed Rohit Sharma as new white-ball skipper.
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