Virat Gives Up Test Captaincy: Ganguly, Yuvraj, Shastri, Richards Pay Tribute

In a shock announcement, Kohli said he was stepping down as the Indian Test cricket Captain.

Following Virat Kohli's shock decision to quit as captain of the Indian Test cricket team, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly on Sunday, 16 January, said that the Indian cricket had made "rapid strides" in all formats under Kohli's leadership, while adding that his decision was solely a "personal" one.

In a Twitter post, Ganguly also said he respects Kohli's decision and that he will continue to be "an important member" of the team.

Under Virats leadership Indian cricket has made rapid strides in all formats of the game ..his decision is a personal one and bcci respects it immensely ..he will be an important member to take this team to newer heights in the future.A great player.well done ..@BCCI @imVkohli

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) January 15, 2022

Pathan, Yuvraj, Raina, and Others on Kohli 

Not just Ganguly, several other legends in the cricket world, including Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Yuvraj Singh, and others, reacted to the Kohli's shock decision.

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

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 15, 2022

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

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 15, 2022

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 👊🏻💯🔥

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) January 15, 2022

Although I also am shocked by @imVkohli 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. pic.twitter.com/W9hJGAYqhv

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 15, 2022

Shastri, Sir Richards Laud Kohli's Tenure 

While Ravi Shastri noted that "only a few have achieved" what Kohli could, Sir Vivian Richards said that his "name will be up there among the best leaders in world cricket."

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 - @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/lQC3LvekOf

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) January 15, 2022

Congratulations @imVkohli on a stunning run as the Indian captain. You can be very proud of what you have achieved so far, and for sure, your name will be up there among the best leaders in world cricket 👏 https://t.co/DieCKL4bhE

— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) January 15, 2022

Virat Kohli can be very proud of what he achieved as a test match captain. The numbers will tell a story but they won't tell you of his fierce desire to play and win at test cricket.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 15, 2022