"Kirsten has signed the contract, he will take over the new assignment on March one next year," board secretary Niranjan Shah said.
The deal was sealed after all the issues relating to Kirsten's appointment were sorted out on Tuesday, paving the way for the former opener to occupy the hot-seat, vacant since the exit of Australian Greg Chappell in April last year.
Shah said Kirsten will meet the players in Bangalore, venue for India's third and final Test against Pakistan from Saturday to next Wednesday.
"Kirsten will be spending a couple of days with the Indian team in Bangalore during the third Test against Pakistan," he said. "He will be with the Indian team in Australia as a consultant for a couple of weeks before taking over full-time in March when India host South Africa."
India are to leave for Australia on Dec. 17 to play four Tests and a limited-over tri-series, with Sri Lanka as the third team.
Kirsten, 40, told the cricinfo.com Web site that he would be honored to take charge of the Indian team.
"It is a huge honor and I'm looking forward to the challenge with as much enthusiasm as any challenge I've ever faced. I know how big the job is and I know it won't be easy, but it's also something I really want to do, and do well," he said.
RSS