September 16, 2007	Sunday	Ramazan 03, 1428

NEW DELHI, Sept 15: Sachin Tendulkar will replace Rahul Dravid as Indian skipper of both the Test and the one-day team, sources in the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said on Saturday.

According to information, the selection committee has already spoken to Tendulkar and the Little Master has agreed to lead the Indian team although he will take another two days to give his final word.

Tendulkar has, apparently, told the selection committee that he is willing to lead the Test and one-day team once again but he should be appointed the captain on a series to series basis.

India Twenty20 skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be Tendulkar’s deputy in both the formats, the sources added.

The selection committee will meet on September 18 to name the team for the upcoming one-day series against Australia and are also expected to formally announce Tendulkar’s appointment as the skipper of the team.

Tendulkar has led the Indian team twice in the past and was not very successful but the thinking in the BCCI and the selection committee is that given the turmoil Indian cricket finds itself in after Dravid’s stepping down, only a senior and experienced hand should be given the responsibility.

Tendulkar has already led India in 25 Tests, winning four, drawing nine and losing 12. In the ODIs too, he does not have a great captaincy record. Out of the 73 one-day matches that Tendulkar led India in, the team lost 43, winning 23 while six ended without a result with one tied.—Agencies