The burden of playing in all the three formats eventually took a toll on India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who retired from Test cricket with immediate effect in the middle of the ongoing four-match Australia series to concentrate on the limited overs format.

"One of India's greatest Test captains under whose leadership India became the No. 1 team in the Test Rankings M S Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of cricket," Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Sanjay Patel said on Tuesday.

Dhoni is India's most successful Test captain with 27 victories out of 60 Tests, while losing 18 with 15 draws.

Patel clarified that Dhoni would continue to feature in the limited overs format. He is expected to lead India in the tri-series in Australia next month and also in the ICC 50-over World Cup starting in Australia-New Zealand in Feburary. "Dhoni has chosen to retire from Test cricket with immediate effect in order to concentrate on ODI and T20 formats."

"The BCCI while respecting the decision, wishes to thank him for his enormous contribution to Test cricket and the laurels that he has brought to India," the BCCI secretary added.

Virat Kohli will lead India in the the fourth and final Test against Australia in Sydney, starting on January 6.