Former Selector MSK Prasad Surprised By Virat Kohli's Decision To Step Down As T20I Captain

Former Indian national selector MSK Prasad has expressed surprise at Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s decision to give up T20I captaincy after the upcoming T20 World Cup. Kohli announced that he was handing over the reins after the mega ICC event in October-November.

Prasad didn’t expect the decision to come at this stage, especially with the World Cup looming large. However, he was understanding of the impact the bio-bubble and captaincy in all formats might have had on the 32-year-old. Speaking to Sportstar on the big announcement, Prasad said:

“It is a little surprising that the decision was announced before the T20 World Cup. But then, the stress he must be carrying due to the bubble life and moving on from one bubble to another (could have also impacted). It is clearly visible and that has impacted his mindset.“

“Virat is someone who has scored 70 centuries (43 in ODIs and 27 in Tests) in a decade has achieved something unbelievable and has set high standards. Probably, the bubble life had an impact on his individual performance, and that would have perhaps made him take such a decision before the T20 World Cup. Maybe, he wanted to unburden himself by letting go of one format.“

“It’s only been a high for T20I cricket under Virat’s captaincy” – MSK Prasad

MSK Prasad opined that the Indian team has been flying high in the shortest format during Kohli’s tenure. They’ve secured series wins in the SENA countries, Kohli is the only captain ever to achieve the stunning feat.

“Under Virat’s captaincy, it has only been a high for Indian cricket in T20s. We have achieved success in New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa, Australia, and this T20 World Cup will be the first mega T20I event under his captaincy.“

“This decision will de-stress him and unburden him a bit because he knows that he will be letting go of one of one format after the tournament and that will perhaps free him a bit in the mega event,” Prasad added.

Virat Kohli led Team India in 45 T20Is, winning 27 and losing just 14. Two each have ended in ties and no results, and Kohli’s win percentage of 65.11 is the second-best in the history of the format.

Also Read – He Will Want To Leave India’s T20I Captaincy On A High – Virat Kohli’s Childhood Coach Rajkumar Sharma