MS Dhoni retires from Tests with immediate effect

In a shocking revelation, MS Dhoni has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. A BCCI press release said, "MS Dhoni has decided to retire from Test cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of cricket." The release also added that Dhoni wanted to concentrate on ODIs and T20Is from now on.

Virat Kohli, who led the side in the first Test at Adelaide when Dhoni was injured, has been named captain for the 4th Test against Australia in Sydney.

Having played 90 Tests and scored 4876 runs for India, Dhoni is statistically India's most successful wicket-keeper batsman of all time. He also effected 294 dismissals as a 'keeper, which is comfortably the most by an Indian and 5th best in the history of Test cricket. For a major part of his Test career, 60 Tests to be precise, Dhoni also shouldered the burden of leading the side. He is also India's most successful Test captain with 27 wins. India drew 15 games while losing 18 Tests under him.

While he continued the tradition of India being powerhouses at home, his captaincy record overseas went on a downturn in recent years. Of the 30 Tests that India played overseas under Dhoni, they won only 6 while losing 15. However, he also led India to a series win in New Zealand and West Indies. India also moved to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings in Dhoni's tenure.

There had been increasing pressure on Dhoni as a captain in Tests overseas particularly after Virat Kohli's impressive showing as skipper in the Adelaide Test. Dhoni had earlier indicated that he would be stepping away from one of the formats post the 2015 World Cup. With the series already decided in Melbourne, it may well have influenced his decision to retire with immediate effect.