Virat Kohli has stated that he does not need to be captain to be a leader for India, implying that he could contribute more as the team's batting mainstay.

Kohli stepped down as India's Test captain earlier this month after the series defeat in South Africa, ending his career as the country's most successful Test captain.
His unexpected decision came after he stepped down as T20 captain and was then removed as ODI captain.
Kohli discussed how he can contribute to a team even if he is not its leader during Digit's "Fireside Chat with VK."
"Everything has a tenure and a time span." "Of course, you have to be aware of that," Kohli said on Digit's "Fireside Chat with VK." 

As a batsman, you may now be able to contribute more to the team. You have the ability to help the team win more games. So be proud of that. To be a leader, you don't have to be a captain. It's really that simple."

Kohli succeeded MS Dhoni as captain, first in Tests and then in limited-overs cricket.

"It's not like MS Dhoni wasn't a leader when he was on the team. He was still the person we were going to seek advice from on a regular basis.

"But for him to understand that, yes, it is a natural progression and a natural time for me to take over and bring Indian cricket to the level that I desired, and as long as I feel that I have done that job without materialistic goals, that has a longer-lasting effect."

Kohli also talked about the best time to move on. Rohit Sharma has taken over as white-ball captain, but the board has yet to name his Test replacement.

Making the decision to move on is also part of leadership, as is determining the appropriate time to do so. To understand that, perhaps the environment requires a different approach. Obviously the same culture, but a different set of ideas to help people and contribute in a different way.

"One must accept a variety of roles and responsibilities." I've played for MS as a player and as captain of the team for a long time, and my mindset has remained consistent.

"I always thought like a captain even when I was a player. I want the team to win. "I must be my own leader."