Virat Kohli stands down as India Test captain: "I cannot be dishonest to my team"

After relinquishing his role as leader of the white-ball teams during the twilight of 2020, Kohli has opted to step away following the series defeat to South Africa

Virat Kohli has given up the India Test captaincy after more than seven years in a role.

The 33-year-old revealed the decision in a statement posted on Twitter in which he admitted he had lost motivation to lead the team.

It follows Kohli's decision to step down as one-day international and T20I captain in 2020, and also relinquish the leadership of Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“It’s been seven years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction," he said. "I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now.

“There have been many ups and also some downs along the journey, but never has there been a lack of effort or lack of belief.

"I have always believed in giving my 120 per cent in everything I do, and if I can’t do that, I know it’s not the right thing to do. I have absolute clarity in my heart and I cannot be dishonest to my team.

"I want to thank the BCCI for giving me the opportunity to lead my country for such a long period of time and more importantly to all the teammates who bought into the vision I had for the team from day one and never gave up in any situation. You guys have made this journey so memorable and beautiful. 

^{Kohli took over from MS Dhoni in Australia (Saeed Khan/Getty Images)}

"To Ravi Bhai and the support group who were the engine behind this vehicle that moved us upwards in Test Cricket consistently, you all have played a massive role in bringing this vision to life.

"Lastly, a big thank you to MS Dhoni who believed in me as a captain and found me to be an able individual who could take Indian Cricket forward."

He first took charge of the red-ball side in Australia in 2014 and was handed the position on a permanent basis later in the tour upon the retirement of MS Dhoni from the format.

In 68 Tests at the helm, Kohli recorded 40 wins - the highest by any India skipper and the fourth-most in Test history - 17 draws and just 11 defeats.

The 2-1 loss to South Africa was his final series in charge.

Since taking over from Dhoni, Kohli helped India establish themselves as the premier men's team on the Test circuit. 

They enjoyed five spells as No.1 in the ICC rankings and reached the inaugural World Test Championship final last year against New Zealand in Southampton.

In 25 full series with Kohli in charge, they prevailed in 19 including wins in Australia, West Indies and England.

^{India's 2-1 series win in Australia in 2017/18 rank as one of Kohli's finest achievements as Test captain (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)}

Kohli was also able to maintain India's imperious home series record which dates back to England's 2012/13 tour - winning 12 in a row.

Seamer Ishant Sharma led the tributes to the departing Kohli, writing on Twitter: "Thank you for all the memories I've shared with you in dressing room & on & off the field since childhood, where we never thought that you would be our captain & I'll play 100 test matches for India.

"All we did was just play cricket with all our heart & things worked out well."

Former head coach Ravi Shastri added: "Virat, you can go with your head held high. Few have achieved what you have as captain. 

"Definitely India's most aggressive and successful. Sad day for me personally as this is the team we built together."

Jay Shah, the BCCI general secretary, said: Congratulations to @imVkohli on a tremendous tenure as #TeamIndia captain. Virat turned the team into a ruthless fit unit that performed admirably both in India and away. The Test wins in Australia & England have been special."

Elsewhere, Sir Viv Richards wrote: "Congratulations @imVkohli on a stunning run as the Indian captain. You can be very proud of what you have achieved so far, and for sure, your name will be up there among the best leaders in world cricket."

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