Won’t give fodder to the controversy seekers, says Virat Kohli on quitting T20I leadership.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli refused to give any grounds to play for the controversy seekers when asked about the rationale behind his decision to not only leave India’s T20I captaincy but also leadership duties for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL.
The cricket fans along with experts were astonished by Virat Kohli’s abrupt decision to step down from the T20I captaincy of team India after the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE.
Soon after the Indian skipper confirmed his decision, several theories were set afloat on social media that fueled that Virat’s decision was driven by the BCCI’s pressure. Though there was an indefinite number of theories floating in and out, one such was, Virat wanted Rohit Sharma to be removed from the limited-overs vice-captaincy, which apparently didn’t go well with the Indian think tanks and ultimately led to Virat’s quit.
“I have already explained myself a lot and I don’t think I need to harp on that anymore,” Kohli said when asked the reason to announce it before the T20 World Cup.
“Our focus is to play well in this World Cup and do what we need to do as a team. The rest of people are trying to dig up things that don’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.
“I have explained myself very honestly and openly and if people feel there’s more to it than what I have already said, I feel pretty bad for them. That’s certainly not the case.”
ALSO READ: IPL 2022: BCCI’s IPL broadcasting rights valuation likely to shoot up to USD 5 Billion: Sources
There was absolutely no pressure on Virat from BCCI: Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly in his recent interaction with Aaj Tak explained that there was no pressure on the Indian skipper and even he was stunned with Virat’s decision.
“I was surprised (that Virat Kohli decided to step down as T20 captain). This decision must have been taken only after the England tour and it is his decision. There was no pressure from our end. We didn’t tell him anything,” Ganguly said.
The BCCI president further asserted that the captaincy may look good from the outside and there is unquestionably name and fame attached to it, however, it is equally taxing for the player.
“We don’t do things like that because I myself have been a player so I understand. It is very difficult to be a captain in all formats for this long.
“I was a captain for six years, it looks good from the outside, there is respect and all that. But you get burnt out on the inside and it happens to any captain. Not just to Tendulkar or Ganguly or Dhoni or Kohli but to the captain that will come up next as well. It is a tough job.”
ALSO READ: IPL 2022 Mega Auction: IPL Franchises can retain a maximum of 4 players in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction
