Sourav Ganguly reveals his aspiration of becoming Indian coach someday
Sourav Ganguly reveals his aspiration of becoming Indian coach someday
Former India’s opener and captain Sourav Ganguly said he aspires to be India’s cricket coach some where in future but has no interest in the position at the moment.
With incumbent Ravi Sharstri’s term drawing closer to an end with the conclusion of the tour of the West Indies. India’s hunt for a new face is on. Sourav Ganguly said that he’s definitely interested in the India coach’s role but not at the moment as he is busy with someother things.
"Definitely, I'm interested but not at this point of time. Let one more phase go then I will throw my name into the fray," Ganguly said.
Ganguly is currently the Cricket Association of Bengal president, apart from being linked with IPL franchise Delhi Capitals as an advisor. He also does commentary and is the host of a Bengali quiz show.
"Currently, I'm associated with too many things -- IPL, CAB, TV commentary. Let me complete this. But I will definitely put my hat at some stage. Provided I get selected. But definitely I'm interested. Not now but in the future," Ganguly said.
Sourav Ganguly, who is the most successful Indian captain, was the chairman of the previous Cricket Advisory Committe, which selected Ravi Shastri as the Indian coach. The newly appointed CAC, led by Kapil Dev Anshuman Gaekwad and Shanta Rangaswamy, is all set to select the new coach.
But seemingly, Ravi Shastri has reapplied for the post and there is high possibility that he would be getting another term with team India skipper Virat Kohli openly endorsing his candidature.
Kapil Dev also further asserted that the captain’s opinion needs to be respected.
Sourav Ganguly said that there were not many big names in the fray this time around.
"Going by the applicants, I don't see any heavyweight names. I heard Mahela (Jayawardene) would apply but ultimately he didn't. There are not many big names who have applied for the coach's job.
"Ultimately I don't know what the panel will decide. They have been around for a while. We will see how long the term the coach will give. Not many names have applied for."
The former skipper however refused to comment on Ravi Shastri's term.
"I will hold my opinion on that. I don't think it's right for me to say about that. I'm too far from the system that decides the coach," Ganguly said.
After the ICC World Cup 2019, where the men in blue lost in the semi finals, team India wil be back in action with a all format series against the West Indies, starting with the T20I in Florida on Saturday.
Ganguly, meanwhile, stated that India’s upcoming series would be far form easy against the reigning World T20 champions.
"West Indies in West Indies will be a lot stronger. T20 is their preferred format. They enjoy playing T20s and they are the current World T20 champions. The two matches in Florida will be tough games.
"Test matches will also be tough as they played very well against England. It won't be an easy West Indies tour as it was five years ago. India will be challenged. There are a lot of young players in the team," Ganguly said.
"As I've said before you want to see these young players get consistent opportunities. You keep saying horses for courses but I feel 'don't judge a horse if you want to keep them on the course'. Consistency is important for rhythm and confidence," he added.
Sourav Ganguly further eulogised Steve Smith whose brilliant century helped the Aussies recover from 122/8 to reach a competitive 284 in the opening Ashes Test.
"Class is permanent and you could see it. These sort of hundreds will remain in everybody's memories. Now they have a big chance of winning the match. First innings scores are very important. From that point of view, it's a fantastic hundred.
"To be away for a year and play the World Cup...he has had a quiet World Cup. And then to start the Ashes with a century, especially when the team was down was a remarkable effort. Ashes is the biggest England-Australia battle," Ganguly said.