Kumble looks to bring through next generation

By Sanjay Rajan

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Anil Kumble knows his appointment as India test captain is a short-term measure but he hopes he can make it easier for the country's next generation of cricketers to cement their place in the senior side.

The 37-year-old Kumble was named skipper for the three-test series home series against Pakistan beginning later this month. India's most successful bowler was chosen ahead of one-day and Twenty20 skipper Mahendra Dhoni.

Rahul Dravid quit as captain in September.

"Looking at the long term, this is definitely short term. But I hope to help the team achieve a smooth transition so that the younger lot can go ahead and move forward," Kumble told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

"I'll try and do whatever best I can for the team so that we get a lot more consistent."

Dhoni, 26, had led a young India side to success at the Twenty20 World Cup but many experts had warned that giving him the test captaincy would be too much, too soon.

The flamboyant wicket-keeper has played just 20 tests. "The team has done exceptionally well under him (Dhoni)," said Kumble, the third highest test wicket-taker with 566 behind Australian Shane Warne (708) and Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (702).

"The younger lot seem to enjoy each other's company. He's a mature person and has all the qualities (of a captain), that's for sure."