Canara Bank, which has long been reeling under piling non-performing assets or bad loans, on Wednesday appointed cricketer Shikhar Dhawan as its brand ambassador.

The state-run lender named the young cricketer as its brand ambassador as it is gearing up for the next phase of banking with a special focus on the country's youth.

RK Dubey, Chairman & Managing Director of Canara Bank said that the bank and Dhawan had a lot in common.

Speaking on the occasion, Dubey said, "He represents the dreams of today's youth and their aspiration, confidence and energy. Shikhar, as a youth icon, cements the partnership between the Bank and the youth."

Canara Bank is not the first public sector lender to name a cricketer as its brand ambassador. Cricketer Rahul Dravid has been Bank of Baroda's brand ambassador since 2005.

Bank of Baroda said Rahul's appearance in TV commercials made a lot of difference for it. His assertion in the commercial that Sab Kuch Badal Raha Hai ... Hamara Bank Bhi was so victorious that within forty-five days of its start the bank had gained additional 1.26 million customers and mobilized Rs 650 crore in new savings account deposits.

ICICI Bank, which once had Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador, later appointed Shah Rukh Khan. Sachin Tendulkar promoted Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in 2008.