Virat Kohli, the star Indian batsman, recently talked about the mental and emotional toll that caused him to decide to resign as captain. Virat Kohli considered why he relinquished his leadership positions with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Team India.
The right-hander’s leadership career started in 2013 when he was named RCB captain. In 2014, he became India’s Test captaincy, and by 2017, he was the all-format captain. During his tenure, Virat Kohli established new benchmarks for performance and fitness.
However, the 36-year-old declared he would resign as T20I captain following India’s humiliating loss at the 2021 T20 World Cup. Following a series defeat to South Africa, he soon relinquished his position as captain of the RCB and subsequently resigned as Test captain in early 2022. He talked about how captaincy was negatively affecting his mental health.
“It did get difficult for me at one time because my job was just taking on too much at once. I captained India for seven or eight years. For nine years, I commanded the RCB. Every time I played, there were batting expectations placed on me. I didn’t feel like I was the centre of attention. It would be batting if it weren’t captaincy. I was surrounded by it all the time. I did find it quite difficult, and ultimately, it became too much. He stated in an RCB Bold Diaries podcast, “That’s why I stepped down because I felt like I need to be happy if I’ve decided I want to be in this place.”
I must make room in my life: Virat Kohli
During his month-long hiatus from cricket in 2022, Kohli did not even touch his bat. After stepping down as captain, Rohit Sharma assumed the position and has led India to victory in the Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2024 thus far.
“I need a place where I can just come and play cricket without being judged or asked what I’m going to do this season or what’s going to happen next,” Kohli continued.
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