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Sourav Ganguly, former Indian cricket captain, is open to coaching the Indian men’s team.
Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly (PTI Photo)
Arguably, one of India’s best-ever captains, Sourav Ganguly, is open to the idea of coaching the Indian men’s cricket team.
Ganguly, who will turn 53 this July, served as the Team Director of Delhi Capitals from 2018-19 to 2022-24.
“I never really thought about it because I got into different roles,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI when asked if he would like to coach the Indian team.
“I finished (competitive cricket) in 2013 and then became Board (BCCI) president,” Ganguly noted, highlighting that his biggest contribution in that role was promoting women’s cricket.
When asked if he could have contributed more by becoming India’s coach, Ganguly said: “We’ll see what the future holds. I’m just 50 (53), so let’s see what happens. I’m open to it. We’ll see where it goes.”
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Ganguly praised incumbent coach Gautam Gambhir, noting his progress since the Champions Trophy victory in Dubai earlier this year.
“Gautam (Gambhir) is doing a good job. He started off a little slow, losing to Australia and New Zealand, but he picked up with the Champions Trophy. This is going to be a big series (vs England),” Ganguly said.
When asked about Gambhir’s tactical acumen, Ganguly praised his passion and straightforward nature.
“I haven’t seen him from very close in this role, but I know he is very passionate. I haven’t observed his strategies closely because I haven’t worked with him as a coach.
“He’s very straightforward, he sees things clearly, and he’s very open about what he feels, about the team, players, people, everything. From the outside, you can tell he’s a very transparent person – what you see is what you get.”
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Ganguly recalled his playing days, noting Gambhir’s respect for senior players.
“I’ve played with him. He was a great guy with a lot of respect for me and the senior players. Even now, I can see he is extremely passionate about his job.”
Ganguly also believes Gambhir should be given time to grow as a coach and learn over time.
“I wish him all the best. He’s just a year into the job, and this will be an important (England) tour. He struggled a bit in Australia, but just like everyone else, he’ll learn, he’ll grow, and he’ll become better,” Ganguly added.
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov… Read More
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Kolkata [Calcutta], India, India
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