Virat Kohli’s bombshell of stepping down from captaincy caught everyone by surprise. The modern-day legend announced his decision to leave Test captaincy on Saturday following a series defeat against South Africa. Many cricket experts and fans are not in favor of Kohli’s decision to step down. However, the former Indian captain has found a supporter in Shahid Afridi.
In a matter of four months, Kohli has lost captaincy from all formats. It began with Virat Kohli announcing his decision to step down from the leadership role in T20s in September. However, he wished to continue captaining India in the ODI and Test formats.
But the Indian selectors wanted a single white-ball captain. So they appointed Rohit Sharma as the new white-ball captain of India, axing Kohli from captaincy in the ODI format. Now, Kohli has decided to step down from Test matches to reduce his workload.
As a batsman, it’s time he enjoys his cricket: Shahid Afridi
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is the latest to join the bandwagon who welcomed Virat’s decision. Speaking with Samaa TV, the former all-rounder opined that the ace Indian batter has played enough cricket to know what’s right for him. Afridi claims this decision will impact positively as Kohli will be able to enjoy his cricket.
“It’s fine in my opinion. Virat has played enough cricket and led the team well. And I believe this is the correct decision. There comes a stage where you can’t handle pressure, and because of it, your own performances get affected. So, I think he has captained for a long time and at a great level. As a batsman, it’s time he enjoys his cricket,” Afridi said.
Shahid Afridi believes stepping down from test captaincy was the right decision and Rashid Khan terms Virat Kohli as a leader who achieved great results and progress for Team India with his unprecedented approach and mindset. #ViratKohli #GameSetMatch #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/sMGpZdyLaw
— Sawera Pasha (@sawerapasha) January 17, 2022
Speaking of Virat’s test records, he is only behind Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh in terms of test match wins. Kohli holds the record for most Test appearances as India Test captain (68) and he also holds the record for most Test wins by an Indian captain (40).
Highlights:
• Shahid Afridi in favor of Virat’s decision to step down as Test captain of India.
• Virat Kohli announced his decision of leaving Test captaincy on Saturday.
Also read: Madan Lal wanted Kohli to continue Test captaincy as he built the Indian team
