Ravichandran Ashwin on Sunday penned an emotional note for former India skipper Virat Kohli following the Delhi-born batsman’s decision to step down as Test captain. Kohli on Saturday (January 15) stepped down as India Test captain after leading the side for seven years.
Taking to Twitter, Ashwin wrote a long and heartfelt note for the former skipper of Indian team. In his message, Ashwin pointed out that, Kohli had 'left a headache for his successor'.
Ashwin's message
He wrote, “Cricket captains will always be spoken about with respect to their records and the kind of triumphs they managed, but your legacy as a captain will stand for the kind of benchmarks you have set. There will be people who will talk about wins in Australia, England , Sl etc etc.”
Ashwin turned out to be the most successful bowler under the leadership of Kohli. In the 55 matches he played, Ashwin picked up 293 wickets at an average of 22.13. This feat includes a whopping 21 five-wicket hauls.
“Wins are just a result and the seeds are always sown well before the harvest! The seeds you managed to sow is the kind of standard you set for yourself and hence set the expectations straight with the rest of us. Well done @imVkohli on the headache you have left behind for your successor and that’s my biggest takeaway from your stint as captain. We must leave a place at such an altitude that the future can only take it higher from there on” He added.
Playing a vital role
Moreover, Ashwin played a huge role in ensuring India's unparalleled home success during Kohli's stint.
Kohli holds the record for most Test appearances as India Test captain (68) and he also holds the record for most Test wins by an Indian captain (40).
In September last year, Kohli had decided to step down as the T20I captain and then he was later removed as the ODI leader also as the selectors wanted one single captain for the white-ball format.
Kohli's decision to relinquish the Test captaincy came just a day after India lost the three-match Test series 2-1 against South Africa.
