BCCI respects Virat Kohli's decision to step down as Test team skipper: Sourav Ganguly

Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday resigned as the leader of the team, just a day after his squad lost the Test series against South Africa by 2-1 margin.

"Under Virats leadership Indian cricket  has made rapid strides in all formats of the game ..his decision is a personal one and bcci respects it immensely ..he will be an important member to take this team to newer heights in the future.A great player.well done," Ganguly wrote in a tweet.

With his resignation, Kohli's seven years role as the leader of the Indian squad comes to an end.

Reacting to his decision, Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary of BCCI said: “Virat Kohli has been one of the finest captains to have ever led the Indian cricket team. His record and contribution towards the team as a leader has been second to none."

"To lead India in 40 Test wins is proof that he led the side with aplomb. He led the team to some of its finest Test match wins in India and overseas – including Australia, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa – and his efforts will inspire the fellow and upcoming cricketers who aspire to represent the country," he said.

Announcing his decision, Kohli said: "It's been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance everyday to take the team in the right direction. 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," he said.

"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 team-mates 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. To Ravi Bhai [Shastri] 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," he said.

Kohli also mentioned MS Dhoni in his statement as he had replaced him as the skipper of the Indian team.

"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," Kohli said.

He had taken up the leadership task in 2015 after MS Dhoni quit as Test skipper during the series against Australia.

Earlier he had stepped down as T20 captain.

He made the announcement to resign as T20 skipper just before the T20 World Cup in the UAE.