"Captaining the Blackcaps in a format that's so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege," he said. "I've always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team.

"I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches.

"I will, as I've always done, continue to support my team-mates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage. I wish Tom all the best in the role and he knows I'll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years."

Now, without the captaincy, he will return to the selection mix alongside Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears. O'Rourke was impressive in Sri Lanka while Henry, who was outstanding in the last home summer, and Sears did not feature.

Latham has previously captained the Test side on nine occasions between 2020 and 2022.

"Tim's a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff," he said. "He's been a great servant of New Zealand Cricket over nearly 17 years playing on the international stage, and I'd like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role as Test captain.

"It's not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team-man and he's made the decision with the team's best interests at heart. He's one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward."

NZC CEO Scott Weenink added: "It's a measure of the man that he continues to put the team interests ahead of his own and, despite his obvious personal disappointment, wants to do the best thing possible for everyone else. To me, that's the sign of a true leader in every sense of the word."

New Zealand's 15-player squad for the three-Test tour of India will be confirmed in the coming days.