He informed his followers via social media. “After this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October, I have decided to step down as the T20 captain,” Kohli stated in a post uploaded on his social media accounts. During the England series in 2017, he took over the full-time captaincy in the shortest format from MS Dhoni and guided India to 45 T20I victories.
While Kohli is ready to step down as T20I captain following the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman, let’s take a glance back at some of his most memorable triumphs.
India Vs Australia, Second T20I in Sydney in 2020
India crushed Australia by six wickets to win the T20I series. Kohli knocked 40 runs off 24 balls. Australia had set a lofty target of 195 runs, but despite a poor start, the then-India captain rose to the challenge and led from the front to guide the visitors to victory.
New Zealand Vs India, Third T20I in Hamilton in 2020
India was three down for 96 in 11 overs after electing to bat. Kohli, on the other hand, smashed 38 runs off 27 balls to lift India to 179 runs. Although the Indian captain did not play any spectacular shots, his cool demeanor helped India achieve 179 runs in 20 overs. After 20 overs, both New Zealand and India had scored 179 runs, and the game proceeded to the Super Over, with India winning.
New Zealand Vs India, Third T20I in Wellington in 2020
Three days later, India and New Zealand met again in a T2OI, with New Zealand scoring 165 in 20 overs to take the match to the wire.
Kohli may not have played a very excellent inning, but the excitement and energy he displayed on the field were enough to have the visitors excited for another thrilling Super Over. India once again overcame New Zealand in the Super Over to earn a notable victory.
England Vs India, Third T20I in Bristol in 2018
Under Kohli’s guidance, this is one of the most memorable T20I victories. Kohli stepped out to bat when India was 62-2 in the sixth over, seeking 199. While Rohit Sharma struck an incredible century, Kohli joined him with a 29-ball 43 before being dismissed.
Kohli scored another win to his tally as India knocked down the target with 8 balls remaining.
India Vs England, Second T20I in Nagpur in 2017
Kohli did not have a good time with the bat while opening for India, scoring 21 off 15 balls, but the skipper did surprise them with his leadership skills.
England was sailing to victory after chasing 145 in 20 overs, but Kohli didn’t give Jasprit Bumrah the ball in the middle overs, saving his two wickets for the end. As England failed to chase down 8 runs in the 20th over, Bumrah only conceded five runs in his final two overs, snatching the win from the clutches of defeat.
Kohli has led India in 45 T20Is, with India winning 27 of them. Under Kohli, India has only lost 14 T20Is, with two games ending in a tie and two matches ending in a draw. Kohli issued a message on Twitter explaining his decision to step down as T20I captain. In order to play all three formats for India, the captain said he needs to give himself space.
