Virat Kohli’s decision to resign as Test captain brings an end to an era in which the Indian team achieved unprecedented success and compiled an impressive record across all forms. It brings an end to a historic period in India’s Test history, one characterised by memorable victories on foreign soil, merciless dominance, and probably the best fleet of fast bowlers in the world, all of whom worked in concert with relentless energy.

After a demoralising 2-1 loss against South Africa, he has made this decision. Despite a historic first Test victory in Centurion, the Asian heavyweights were unable to stop the Proteas’ fire.

On the other hand, Kohli will be remembered as the country’s greatest leader. Kohli is the most successful Test captain India has ever had, with 40 victories and 17 defeats in 68 matches. After all, it was under his leadership that Australia’s first-ever Test series was won. Furthermore, with one match remaining, they edged ahead to establish an unassailable 2-1 lead against England. This achievement was accomplished in the 2021 series, which included victories at Lord’s and the Oval. He led the team to the inaugural World Test Championship final and to the country’s first-ever Test victory in Centurion, South Africa. The team only drew 11 Tests throughout his tenure.

Kohli also performed admirably as a batter while captaining the team. In 68 matches, he scored 5864 runs at an average of 54.80. He has 20 centuries and 18 fifties among his accomplishments.

Kohli is by far the most successful Indian Test skipper. His predecessors, Sourav Ganguly, who brought hope to the team at the turn of the century, and MS Dhoni, who led India to an overall impressive record across formats, both helped India to command victories and impressive figures as Test captains. Those stats, though, pale in compared to Kohli’s achievements.

Kohli, as a captain, followed in the footsteps of MS Dhoni, one of India’s most famous and accomplished captains. Dhoni had only 27 wins, 18 losses, and 15 victories in 60 matches.

Kohli, on the other hand, is ranked fourth in terms of win percentage after a minimum of 20 Tests. Stever Waugh, who has 71.93 percent, is his closest competitor at the top. Don Bradman (62.50) and Ricky Ponting (62.50) follow Waugh (62.34). Kohli completes the top four with a score of 58.82 percent.

While the players, fans, and cricketing community will miss Kohli’s never-say-never attitude as captain and would have preferred him to stay on, the right-hander explained why he’s stepping down in a message on Twitter.

🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022