India have appointed former England coach Duncan Fletcher as the new coach of the national team.
Fletcher, 62, replaces South African Gary Kirsten, who resigned after guiding India to its World Cup triumph.
A media statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Narainswamy Srinivasan said Fletcher had been given a two-year contract, while Eric Simons will continue as the bowling coach.
Fletcher, a former Zimbabwe captain, was the coach of the England team that beat Australia in 2005 to take the Ashes for the first time in close to two decades.
His more recent assignments have been as a consultant with South Africa and New Zealand.
Fletcher had been shortlisted by the BCCI along with another former Zimbabwe player Andy Flower, who is presently coaching England.
Fletcher will be the fourth foreign coach for India after New Zealander John Wright, Australian Greg Chappell and Kirsten.
However, Fletcher may not be part of India's next tour, to the West Indies in June for one Twenty20 international, five one-day games and three tests. Srinivasan said Fletcher "has some prior commitments."
