Ganguly Backs Gambhir For India's Head Coach Role, Cites IPL Success

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his support for an Indian coach to succeed Rahul Dravid. Ganguly specifically mentioned Gautam Gambhir as a potential candidate for the role. Dravid's tenure as India's head coach is set to conclude after the T20 World Cup, and the BCCI has already invited applications for the position.

Reports suggest that Gautam Gambhir is a leading contender for the job. The former cricketer has demonstrated his coaching abilities in the IPL, particularly with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Under his mentorship, KKR ended a decade-long trophy drought in IPL 2024, showcasing Gambhir's effectiveness.

Despite ongoing speculations about appointing foreign coaches, Ganguly believes an Indian coach would be more suitable for the role. "I am in favour of an Indian coach because we have enormous talent in our country, enormously high-skilled players who have done wonders for Indian cricket and very rightfully they should be a part of the system," Ganguly told News18.

Ganguly is uncertain whether Gambhir has applied for the position but expressed his enthusiasm if Gambhir were to be chosen. "If Gambhir applies - you can see it on TV - he worked for KKR this year. I was with Delhi (Capitals), you can see the hunger, the passion and the want to win and I will be happy if he applies and if the board decides to give him the job, I think he is a good candidate," Ganguly added.

Meanwhile, Team India is currently in the USA participating in the T20 World Cup 2024. They are placed in Group A alongside Ireland, USA, Canada, and Pakistan. India's first match is scheduled for June 5 against Ireland.