Virat Kohli to quit T20I captaincy: Strange cricketers decide themselves what to do, what not, says Kapil Dev

Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as captain of the Indian T20 side after the upcoming World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman has left legendary Kapil Dev surprised.

“I never thought of anything like this. But these days, I find it strange that cricketers decide themselves what to do and what not. I think selectors too should have a say on this,”Kapil Dev told ABP news.

“And I feel the cricketers should take to the selectors and the board before they take such a big decision. I think it’s very important.

“There was no need to announce it so early. He is a brilliant player. Even if a season went bad, it doesn’t change that he is a great cricketer and a great captain,” he added.

Kohli, also the team’s batting mainstay, cited the need to balance his workload as he vacated the role which is likely to go to his deputy Rohit Sharma.

“…considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian team in test and ODI cricket,” Kohli said in a statement posted on Twitter.

“I have given everything to the team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman going forward.”

India are yet to win an ICC trophy under Kohli, while his Royal Challengers Bangalore team continue to chase their maiden Indian Premier League title.

Kohli has a 27-14 win-loss ratio as India’s Twenty20 captain.