I’m interested but not at this point in time: Sourav Ganguly on coaching Indian team

Seeing Sourav Ganguly coach the Indian team is a long-cherished dream of many Indian fans. Ganguly is one of the finest cricketers to have represented India. One of the all-time batting greats, Ganguly will always be remembered for his captaincy. He was the man who instilled a fearless approach in the Indian team which eventually helped them shed their tag of poor travellers.

Under Ganguly’s captaincy, India gave all the teams a run for their money in their own backyard. The miraculous win in the NatWest Series, the final of the 2003 World Cup, Test series draw in Australia and the Test series win in Pakistan are some of the most notable highlights of his career. No surprises then that the fans desperately want to see Ganguly taking over as the coach of the national side.

Well, the legendary skipper has confirmed he wishes to be India’s head coach in near future. Ganguly made it clear that he is unable to apply for the job at present but wishes to do the same in the coming days.

“Definitely, I’m interested but not at this point in time. Let one more phase go then I will throw my name into the fray,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by NDTV.

“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 added.

Favourite for India coach

India are currently on the lookout for a new coach since current coach Ravi Shastri’s tenure will end after the tour of West Indies. The BCCI has already invited applications for the post but Ganguly said there are not many big names in the fray, thus hinting at Shastri getting an extension.

“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 big the term they will give. Not many names who have applied. Whoever they feel is good they should do it,” he said.