India coach John Wright [Images] will step down as coach after the third and final Test against Pakistan starting on Thursday, a source close to the team said on Wednesday.

The source said Thursday's game would be the former New Zealand [Images] captain's last in charge of the Test side although he would stay on for the one-day series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka [Images] in April.

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Wright, 50, took over as India coach in 2000 ahead of a home series against Zimbabwe.

Under Wright, India won a 2-1 series at home against Australia in 2001 and clinched their maiden Test and one-day series wins in Pakistan last year.

Their most creditable performance, however, was drawing a series in Australia 1-1 in 2004 after critics had predicted a 4-0 whitewash.

There has been no official announcement from Wright or the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

India captain Sourav Ganguly [Images] paid tribute to the former New Zealand opener, who played 82 Tests and scored 5,335 runs at 37.82 with 12 centuries.

"John has been part of the team since I've been captain," Ganguly said.

"We've thoroughly enjoyed the tenure because of the kind of person he is and the way he is with the boys. My good wishes will be with him in whatever he decides to do in future."

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