India appoint Anil Kumble as head coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Anil Kumble as the national team's new head coach on a one-year deal.

Former leg-spinner Kumble is India's record wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, having taken a combined tally of 956 scalps between 1990 and 2008.

The 45-year-old has no major coaching experience, but has nevertheless been selected to lead India for at least the next 12 months.

Ravi Shastri was among the other applicants for the role of head coach, after his contract as team director ended following this year's World Twenty20.

Kumble, who captained India during his illustrious playing career, will begin his tenure with a four-Test tour of the West Indies, starting next month.

A BCCI cricket advisory committee featuring three of Kumble's former team-mates - Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman - was responsible for recommending a new coach.

"The cricket advisory committee looked into all applications," said BCCI president Anurag Thakur after announcing Kumble's appointment at a news conference in Dharamsala.

"They shortlisted a few names, which were suggested to BCCI. When the names came to us, we discussed with other stakeholders, in the board, in the team and then we finally took a call.

"It is not about [hiring] an Indian or foreign coach. It is about who is the best for Indian cricket. I think we have used the services of the best players who have served Indian cricket for many years - Sourav [Ganguly], Sachin [Tendulkar] and VVS [Laxman]... and I think we have kept it very transparent.

"We wanted the best for the Indian team. I think India deserves the best and I think we have [it in] Anil Kumble. He has been a match-winner for India, he has a great record.

"As for the bowling, batting or other coaches on the support staff, that announcement will be made soon. We need some time to decide on that."

A BCCI statement added: "The board recognises the contribution of team director Ravi Shastri under whom India marched to the semi-finals in the ICC World Cup held in Australia and the ICC World T20 India 2016.

"With him as team director, India won the Test series in Sri Lanka after a gap of 22 years and also outplayed South Africa 3-0 in a four-Test home series before clinching the Asia Cup."