The 55-year-old who played 80 Tests and 150 One-Day Internationals (ODI) for his home country was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as the replacement for Anil Kumble, who left after the national team’s loss in the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy final last month.

Kumble's departure came because of disagreements between him and India’s captain Virat Kohli, which the 46-year-old said had made his position "untenable".

It is not the first time Shastri has held the role of head coach as he took charge for a brief period in 2007 after Australian Greg Chappell stood down.

Shastri also acted as the team director between August 2014 and June 2016.

Alongside Shastri, two other appointments have also been made by the BCCI for the men’s national team.

Zaheer Khan has been unveiled as the side’s bowling consultant while Rahul Dravid will be their overseas batting consultant.

Dravid, 44, who captained India between 2005 and 2007, scored 13,288 runs in 164 Tests matches, averaging 52.31.

He also featured in 344 ODIs and one Twenty20 international.

Former fast bowler Khan claimed 311 wickets in 92 Tests for India during his playing career.

The 38-year-old also played 200 ODIs and 17 Twenty20s for India.