Proteas batsman Hashim Amla has stepped down as vice-captain of the ODI and T20 squads, following his reluctance to take over the captaincy from AB de Villiers during the ODI Series against New Zealand.

Amla, who wants to focus on his batting alone, said: "It is unfair of me to wear the vice-captaincy cap if I am uncomfortable of taking over from AB when I am needed.

"Captaincy has always been an exploratory area of my cricket but after being at the helm for three ODI's and a few T20's I feel it's time to groom a successor who has leadership potential.

"It has been a privilege to lead my country on the occasions that I have been captain, but I look forward to contributing to the team as a batsman. I will continue to play my part as an advisor in the team and will remain active on the field as a senior player."

Amla was appointed in June 2011 and has since captained the Proteas in two T20's and three ODI's against Australia, as well as five unofficial T20's against Zimbabwe in de Villiers' absence.

He also further explained his decision to make himself unavailable for the T20 squad for the rest of the year, saying: "I've requested to take a sabbatical from International T20 cricket for the year.

"My decision was influenced by the hectic international schedule and this will give me more room to manage my time between the formats more constructively.

"T20 cricket remains a format that I enjoy, and I hope I can make meaningful contributions domestically when I have the opportunity while continuing to harness my T20 game.

"I still have hopes of playing for South Africa in the future and will re-visit the decision at a later stage."

No decision has been made on a replacement vice-captain yet, though Faf du Plessis is thought to be the front-runner for the ODI side given his captaincy of the T20 outfit.