‘AFTER RELINQUISHING CAPTAINCY IN T20, VIRAT WILL BE SEEN PLAYING IN A MORE RELAXED MANNER’

Virat Kohli has decided to step down from the captaincy after the T20 World Cup and will not be seen captaining RCB in the IPL after this season as well. I respect both his decisions. He had consulted me about it and I respected both his decisions and asked him to step down from the captaincy.

I think this is a good decision. He was feeling the workload on himself for some time. He wants to be relaxed at this time. It is necessary for any person to be in harmony with all these aspects. Rest I do not believe that his performance has declined. He has been playing big innings continuously in T20 and ODI.

He scored four half centuries each in T20 and ODI format recently. He is getting off to a good start in Tests as well. I am sure after playing a big innings you will see the old one Virat Kohli batting.

Reports of complain to the BCCI for his behaviour during the final of the World Test Championship are media blown-out reports. There is no truth in these news. I can confidently say that at this time the atmosphere of the dressing room is pleasant, it is healthy.

After relinquishing the captaincy in T20, he will be seen playing in more relaxed way, which will be very good for Indian cricket. Anyway, in T20 cricket, the new captain also needs the support of the senior player.

Virat can play an important role in that too. Of course, there is usually only one captain in ODIs and T20s around the world, but Virat will continue to captain in ODIs. I have no doubt about it. Team India also needs his captaincy in Test and ODI because he is the most successful captain of India till date.

I appeal to Virat Kohli fans and cricket lovers to keep faith in Virat Kohli the same way you have built up in past years. After these two big decisions, you will see this player playing big innings in Test cricket as well.

The writer is a coach of Virat Kohli and a Dronacharya Awardee.