Virat Kohli has resigned as India's Test captain, effective immediately, he said on Saturday (January 15).
Kohli's decision comes a day after India's attempt to win their first-ever series in South Africa fell short. India lost the series 2-1 despite winning the first Test.
The 33-year-old had recently stepped down as India's T20I captain and was then removed as the ODI captain ahead of the South Africa tour, which he announced via social media.
"It's taken 7 years of hard work, struggle, and unfailing determination every day to move the team forward." I've done the task completely honestly and haven't left anything out. Everything has to come to a halt at some point, and for me as India's Test Captain, that time has arrived. Along the way, there have been many ups and some downs, but there has never been a lack of work or belief. I am completely honest with my team and have absolute clarity in my heart.
"I'd like to express my gratitude to the BCCI for allowing me to represent my country for such a long time, and, more significantly, to all of my players who believed in the vision I had for the team from the beginning and never gave up in any situation. This journey has been made even more memorable and lovely because of you. You all played a huge role in bringing this idea to life, Ravi Bhai and the support group who were the engine behind this car that continually pushed us ahead in Test Cricket. Finally, I'd like to express my appreciation to MS Dhoni, who saw me as a capable captain capable of leading Indian cricket ahead."
In the absence of MS Dhoni, Kohli led India in a Test match for the first time in Adelaide at the end of 2014.
Under Kohli's leadership, India moved to the top of the Test rankings and, for the first time in their history, won a Test series in Australia in 2018-19. India is already 2-1 up in the series in England and will play the fifth and final Test later this year. India made it to the final of the celebration Of world Test Championship, but lost to New Zealand. Kohli has led India to 40 Test victories, trailing just Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh in the all-time list.