How Virat Kohli's tenure as ODI captain ended: Explained
What's the story
Despite retiring from Tests and T20Is, Indian batter Virat Kohli continues to scale heights in ODI cricket. Kohli, who owns the second-most ODI runs, is also among India's most prolific captains in the format. Under him, India reached the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final. However, the end of his captaincy tenure wasn't as smooth. Let's revisit the whole saga.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Kohli was removed as India's ODI captain in December 2021. He was replaced by Rohit Sharma.
Previously, Rohit took over as the T20I skipper after Kohli stepped down from the role following the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup.
Over a month later, Kohli also resigned as India's Test skipper, with Rohit replacing him.
While the side recalibrated across formats, the transition involved off-field controversies.
Controversy
The major Kohli-Ganguly controversy
Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI president back then, explained why Kohli was removed as the ODI skipper.
He asserted that the BCCI "requested Kohli not to step down" as the T20I captain. This was against the board's idea of one white-ball leadership.
However, Kohli later said his decision to resign as T20I captain was "received well" and that he "wasn't told to reconsider" his decision.
Kohli also highlighted how he was informed about his sacking as ODI captain just "90 minutes before" the South Africa Test squad selection meeting.
Legacy
Kohli has won 65 of his 95 ODIs as captain
Kohli first captained India in an ODI in 2013 and took over as limited-overs captain full-time from MS Dhoni in January 2017.
According to Cricinfo, he has won 65 of his 95 ODIs as captain and led India to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.
Under him, the Men in Blue also played the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final, losing to Pakistan.
Do you know?
Average of over 72 while leading
Across 91 ODI innings as captain, Kohli racked up 5,449 runs at an incredible average of 72.65. His 21 tons are the second-most by a skipper in ODIs, only behind Ricky Ponting's 22.