Sourav Ganguly gives honest opinion on Gautam Gambhir’s role as India head coach, says ‘He started off a little slow…’
New Delhi: India former captain Sourav Ganguly has categorically ruled out entering politics but has stated that he would be open to coach the Indian national team. Ganguly, will turn 53 this July, was the Team Director of Delhi Capitals between 2018-19 and 2022-24.
I never really thought about it because I got into different roles,” Ganguly told PTI in a free-wheeling podcast interview when asked about his willingness towards coaching the Indian team. “I finished (competitive cricket) in 2013 and then became Board (BCCI) President.” When suggested that he could have contributed more by becoming India 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,”
However, Ganguly was full of praise on the current head coach Gautam Gambhir of whom he feels has picked up pace in the position since India won the Champions Trophy earlier this year in Dubai.
“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.
On the question of Gambhir as a strategist, Ganguly praised the zeal in the lefty and how blatantly he is confident to give his opinion.
“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.
“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 feels that with just a year into the job, Gambhir should be allowed time to grow as a coach and learn with passage of 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.”
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