It’s Virat Kohli v BCCI

Test captain Virat Kohli and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

Quitting T20 captaincy, ODI axe

When I left the T20 captaincy, I had first approached BCCI and intimated them of my decision and laid down my point of view in front of them [office bearers]. I gave the reasons why I wanted to quit T20 captaincy and my viewpoint was received very nicely. There was no offence, no hesitation and not for once was I told that ‘you should not leave T20 captaincy'. On the contrary, the BCCI called it a progressive step and in the right direction. At that time, I had communicated that...yes, I would like to continue in Tests and ODIs unless office-bearers and selectors think that I shouldn't carry on with this responsibility. I had clarified my call and communication to BCCI was clear.

I personally requested him [Kohli] not to give up T20 captaincy. Obviously, he felt the workload, which is fine. He has been a great cricketer, he has been very intense with his cricket. He has captained for a long period of time and these things happen. Because I have captained for a long period of time, therefore, I know. Also, they wanted only one white-ball captain. And that's why this decision.

Who said what on Dec 8

Whatever was said about the communication that happened [referring to Ganguly's so-called chat with him] about the decision that was made was inaccurate. I was contacted one-and-a-half hours before selection meeting on 8th [December] for [SA] Test series and there was no prior communication to me at all since I announced my decision on T20 captaincy. The chief selector discussed the Test team to which we both agreed. Before ending the call, I was told that the five selectors have decided that I will not be the ODI captain to which I replied ‘okay fine'.

Yes, I have spoken to Virat personally and chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma has also spoken to him on the issue [to replace him as the ODI captain].

ICC events or two skips issue?

Reasons...obviously we haven't won ICC tournaments. The reasons, I can understand. For me, there was no debate in whether the decision was correct or not. The decision that BCCI has taken is from a logical point of view and completely understandable. I can understand.

I can't explain more about what was discussed and what selectors have said, but this is primary reason for having Rohit as white-ball captain and Virat accepted it.