As the BCCI looks to name the next head coach of Team India, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has also thrown his hat in the ring.
The BCCI will have to take the final decision soon as current head coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure will end this month following the conclusion of India’s T20 World Cup campaign. The board had advertised the post last month and the last date to submit the form was May 27.
According to media reports, former India opener Gautam Gambhir is the favorite to replace Dravid as the new coach. While Gambhir is yet to coach a national or state team, the BCCI wants him to take charge of the Indian team after his impressive performances as a mentor in the IPL.
Gambhir has been plying his trade as a mentor in the IPL for the last three seasons. In 2022 and 2023, he was with Lucknow Super Giants and guided them to the playoffs in both seasons before parting ways ahead of IPL 2024. Incidentally, LSG failed to make it past the league stage this year. On the other hand, Gambhir joined Kolkata Knight Riders and guided them to their third title and first since 2014.
While only time will tell whether Gambhir becomes the head coach or not, Sourav Ganguly believes his former India teammate would be a good choice. The legendary cricketer also expressed his desire to coach the Indian team.
“I would love to coach the Indian team. If he wants to do it, I think he will be a very good candidate.” Ganguly told the media in Kolkata, quoted by ANI.
Sourav Ganguly on Rishabh pant:
Sourav Ganguly also spoke about Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batsman prepares to play an international match for the first time in over a year. Pant has not played an international match since December 2022. He has warmed up in style for the ongoing T20 World Cup by scoring a fifty against Bangladesh in the practice match last week.
“He (Rishabh Pant) will play well. He is a good player. The World Cup has not started yet, India is playing their warm-up matches. On June 5 they will play their first match. They will do well, they are a good team,” Ganguly said.
Team India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on Wednesday (June 5) by taking on Ireland in New York.