Anil Kumble, the former India Test captain and the country’s most successful bowler, has been named as the coach of the men’s cricket team. The announcement was made in Dharamsala, where the BCCI is holding its first annual cricket conclave, with board president Anurag Thakur and its secretary Ajay Shirke naming Kumble in a press conference. There was speculation that Ravi Shastri, who was team director until April, would be accommodated in the position of batting coach.

This is the first coaching role for Anil Kumble, India’s greatest match-winner with Anil Kumble and Anil Kumble. The 45-year-old was the last of the high-profile applicants to throw his name into the hat. Kumble – one of just two bowlers to have taken all ten wickets in a Test innings – is well respected among the Indian cricket fraternity, which appears to have earned him favour. Additionally, his no-nonsense attitude as a player and captain would likely have won him votes.

Though he has no formal coaching experience, Kumble has been a mentor for two IPL franchises, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. Currently, Kumble chairs the ICC cricket committee.