Virat Kohli Reveals Why He Felt 'Spent' After Stepping Down From Team India Test Skipper Role

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli opened up on his retirement from Test cricket captaincy during the third edition of the RCB Innovation Lab’s Indian Sports Summit on Wednesday.

The former Team India skipper helped the side dominate the sport in whites during his stint at the helm of the side between 2014 and 2022 as he led the side to 40 wins in 68 Test assignments.

Kohli, however, revealed that the responsibility of leading the Indian cricket team out in whites took a toll on him, which he realised only after he had stepped down from the hotseat.

“I ended up being in a place where I became the focal point of our batting unit and leadership. I didn’t realise how much load both those things will present in my daily life because I was so driven and motivated

to make sure that Indian cricket stays on top,” Kohli said.

“And that’s precisely why by the time I left captaincy, I was completely spent. I was completely consumed by it. It was gruesome. It was difficult to manage expectations,” he continued.

“The key there during my prime was to make sure the team was secure. You know, that insecurity doesn’t enter the change room. For that, I have to give massive credit to the management – Ravi Shastri and the team. But the form doesn’t quite stay for long, then, yeah, both those responsibilities start weighing on you. So, it was tough,” he added.

He explained that he was in a much beteer place to share the burden following his resignation as the side’s captain and how the unit took care of his.

“Only when I left captaincy, I opened up and I shared a lot more with people like Rahul Bhai and Vikram Rathour. I had a great run in Test cricket in 2023 and whenever I meet them, I always thank them from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

“They really took care of me in a way that made me feel like I wanted to play for them. I want to perform. I want to go out there and grind it out. They were so caring and nurturing. They made me realise what I have done so far,” Kohli concluded.