Former Australian captain Greg Chappell, Friday named the Indian cricket team's new coach, says he wants to improve the country's rankings in Tests and One-Day Internationals.
"I definitely want to improve the country's rankings but this won't happen overnight," Chappell said at his first press conference shortly after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced his selection.
Chappell said he was committed to excellence both on and off the field.
India is currently at third spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings behind Australia and England.
India could have moved to second place had it defeated Pakistan in the final Test of the three match series in March that ended in a 1-1 draw.
India is seventh in the ICC ODI series behind Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and England.
BCCI chief Ranbir Singh Mahendra announced Chappell's selection after a meeting of the board's special committee, which Thursday also interviewed Australian Tom Moody, West Indian Desmond Haynes and former India player Mohinder Amarnath.
Amarnath wished Chappell luck in his new assignment.
"I wish him success. It is important the Indian team does well," Amarnath told a television channel.
Asked how he felt on losing out, Amarnath, son of legendry Indian captain Lala Amarnath, replied: "There are ups and downs in life. There is nothing wrong with that. The board has decided what it has decided after a great deal of thought."
{{/usCountry}}Asked how he felt on losing out, Amarnath, son of legendry Indian captain Lala Amarnath, replied: "There are ups and downs in life. There is nothing wrong with that. The board has decided what it has decided after a great deal of thought."
{{/usCountry}}