Shivnarine Chanderpaul [Images] has resigned as West Indies [Images] captain after just one year in the job, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old left-hander, who succeeded Brian Lara [Images] as skipper, led the side to just one win in 14 Tests and two victories in 16 one-day internationals.

"I would like to take this opportunity to tender my resignation as captain with immediate effect," Chanderpaul wrote in a letter to the WICB.

"This would give me an opportunity to focus on my batting and other areas of my cricket where I would be able to make a more significant contribution to the team.

"I have served my time as the captain and would like to pass the mantle on to another person. I would fully support my replacement, and work towards the good of the team.

"I would like to thank all who worked with me during my tenure as captain, and I am looking forward to continuing my hard work for West Indies cricket."

Chanderpaul has played 94 Tests and 183 one-day internationals since making his West Indies debut in 1994.

Vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan [Images] is favourite to lead the side in home series against Zimbabwe and India starting later this month.