It's an honour and a privilege Rahul Dravid

Dravid replaces Sourav Ganguly and will lead the team in forthcoming series against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

"He is a tremendous cricketer. He has earned the honour of captaining the country. He has a very positive attitude and good cricketing brain.

"It will be a learning curve for him. I know the first few games are very important," said Chappell.

Dravid has previous experience in the role, having previously captained India in five Tests and 17 one-day internationals.

Results under Dravid have been moderate, however, especially in one-day cricket and he now faces the challenge of trying to inspire the team whilst maintaining his own high standards with the bat.

But former India captain Ajit Wadkar believes it is a "positive move" and he said: "The selectors obviously have an eye on the 2007 World Cup."

Dravid will benefit from the return of Sachin Tendulkar, who has been named in a 15-man squad for the first two one-dayers against Sri Lanka.

Tendulkar has not played international cricket since April following surgery on his elbow but the selectors have decided he is now fit enough to reclaim his place in the side.

"All are equals, but some are more equal than others," said Chappell, who has been observing Tendulkar closely in the nets and during the domestic Challenger Trophy tournament.

"There were very good signs from him. I could see a turning point in him where the timing started to flow.

"Hopefully this is the start of the return of the Sachin of old," Chappell added.

Ganguly and Mohammad Kaif have not been picked for the opening one-dayers because of injury and fellow batsman VVS Laxman has been dropped, leaving room for Test opener Gautam Gambhir to try and prove himself in the shorter form of the game.

The squad includes one newcomer in 22-year-old seamer Sree Santh.

"We're looking to give more opportunities to promising youngsters," said chief selector Kiran More.

"India has not done too well in the past 30, 35 one-day internationals. We're looking to the future, but the door hasn't been shut on anybody."