Kirmani named as India's chief selector

India's former Test wicketkeeper, Syed Kirmani, has taken over from Brijesh Patel as the head of the national selection committee.

Kirmani, 53, claimed 198 victims in an 88-Test career that also included victory in the 1983 World Cup, and is arguably the finest wicketkeeper ever to play for India. He will bring strong views to the selectors' table, and was particularly outspoken over the decision to play Rahul Dravid as a makeshift keeper in the recent World Cup.

His appointment was announced on the final day of the BCCI's annual general meeting in Kolkata. Patel, Kirmani's predecessor, stepped down after one year after undergoing a heart bypass this month.