Sourav Ganguly is “definitely interested” in becoming Team India’s head coach, but not right now. The former India captain said that his plate is full of current commitments, but once those are done, he would certainly put forward his candidature for the position of Indian cricket team’s coach.
“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 told Press Trust of India.
“Currently, I’m associated with too many things – IPL, CAB [Cricket Association of Bengal, where he’s president], 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.”
The BCCI had called for applications for the team’s coaching staff, with the current contracts set to end after India’s tour of West Indies. The names of Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Bangar, B Arun and R Sridhar will automatically enter into the selection process, which will be conducted by the reconstituted Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy.
Ganguly was part of the original CAC, alongside Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, when the current coaching staff was appointed, and he felt that among the current applicants, there aren’t any heavyweight names.
“Going by the applicants, I don’t see any heavyweight names,” he said. “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 big the term they will give. Not many names who have applied. Whoever they feel is good they should do it.”
Evaluating Shastri’s term as the coach, Ganguly said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that the CAC hasn’t asked for his input yet, and he would offer his opinion if asked.
The interviews for the new coaching staff are expected to take place on August 14 and 15.
