The 46-year-old South African was the preferred choice of the committee, getting the nod ahead of former England spinner John Emburey after both men presented their case in Chennai.

A BCCI statement read: "The committee constituted to select the next India coach has met and it was decided that the name of Graham Ford would be put forward for the job.

"It is now for the working committee of the BCCI, which meets in Delhi on June 12, to make the appointment final.

"The term of the coach will be for one year to start with."

The move cannot be ratified, however, without the say-so of English county side Kent, with whom Ford is under contract as cricket director until the end of next season.

It is not yet clear whether Kent will demand compensation should Ford leave.

Kent chief executive Paul Millman said: "We have had no communication from Graham whatsoever and expect to talk to him when he arrives home tomorrow.

"Once we have completed the match against Hampshire we hope to sit down with Graham then and hear what he has to say."

India have been looking for a coach since Australian Chappell resigned after the World Cup.

Ford has a strong pedigree having coached South Africa from 1999-2001 and he has made a strong impact since taking over at Kent in 2005.

Kent are currently top of the Friends Provident Trophy south conference and well placed in the County Championship.