Confirmed: MS Dhoni retires from Test cricket with immediate effect

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has announced his retirement from test cricket with immediate effect and will not be part of the team travelling to Sydney for the final Test.

Virat Kohli will take over the captaincy in Dhoni's absence, in what is being deemed a shocking decision by the Indian veteran.

India failed to live up to expectations in the current tour of Australia, losing their first two games and hardly managing to scrape through a draw in the third Test at Melbourne, where Dhoni stood tall until the end to procure a semblance of dignity in what has been an ignominious campaign so far for the visitors.

"News Alert - MS Dhoni has chosen to retire from Test Cricket with immediate effect #MSD #Captain", BCCI tweeted.

"News Alert - Virat will be the captain for the 4th and Final Test against Australia #MSD #AusvsInd."

Dhoni has led India in 60 Tests, winning 27, losing 18 and drawing 15, thus overshadowing Sourav Ganguly to become India's most successful Test captain.

He has played 90 tests for his country, scoring 4876 runs and ends his career as the third highest run getter among wicketkeeper batsmen behind Adam Gilchrist and Mark Boucher.

As a wicketkeeper, he has effected a total of 294 dismissals, including 256 catches and 38 stumpings.

Dhoni has led India to their first ever whitewash over Australia in 2013, where they decapitated the Aussies 4-0 at home and has led India to become the best Test team in the world in 2009.