Anil Kumble has been named head coach of the Indian team for the next 12 months.
He will take charge at the squad’s preparatory camp ahead of the upcoming tour of the West Indies next month.
Announcing the decision, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Anurag Thakur said it was taken by “the president and secretary” after the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman submitted “a few names”.
“Kumble has been a match-winner, has a great record and now we expect him to have a great record as a coach,” he said.
Mr. Kumble edged out former team director Ravi Shastri after 57 aspirants entered the fray for the coveted post.
“After one year, Kumble’s performance will be reviewed. But we hope there will be no need for a re-think,” said Board secretary Ajay Shirke.
Mr. Kumble, 45, with 619 wickets from 132 matches, is the third most successful bowler in Test history behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
