Kevin Pietersen 'not surprised' on Virat Kohli's decision to step down as India Test captain

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has said that he is not surprised by Virat Kohli's decision to relinquish India's Test captaincy. He said that playing cricket in the current time of pandemic is not an easy task and this might have a role to play in Kohli's decision.

Kohli recently stepped down as the Indian Test captain after a successful run of seven years as the leader. The decision came as a shocker for everyone, and no one expected him to do so. India achieved what it could not during other captains regions.

Winning a Test series in Australia for the first time, and against England at their home; were some of his major accomplishments. He announced stepping down as the captain after the recent series loss against South Africa.

"I'm actually not surprised that Virat wants just a little bit of a break from that extra pressure because it's damn difficult playing in these bubbles."

While others were shocked by the announcement, former English batter Pietersen was not surprised. In an interview with PTI, he said, "It will be very unfair to be too harsh, to be critical. Because you have not looked at Virat Kohli. Kohli needs crowds, he gets going (from it), he is an entertainer. I think it's very difficult for his personality to perform to the best of his (Kohli's) abilities (in the bubble)."

"A lot of players have suffered. It is the greatest job in the world. But when you put them in a bubble, it's certainly not the greatest job because there is no fun," he added.

The power hitter also said that people who are critical of modern sportsmen are foolish, as it is not easy to play with the obligations of a bio-bubble. Speaking of the captaincy pressure, he said he was not surprised with Kohli stepping down as it adds to the pressure of bio-bubbles.

Pietersen is currently playing with the World Giants in the Legends League Cricket.