• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 05/31/2024
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As the cricketing world buzzes with speculation over the next head coach for Team India, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has stirred the pot with a cryptic tweet. Ganguly’s comments come at a time when Gautam Gambhir, former India opener and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is seen as the leading candidate to replace Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup.

Ganguly’s Cryptic Message

https://x.com/SGanguly99/status/1796058066942632023

Ganguly took to X to share his thoughts on the importance of a good coach, indirectly addressing the ongoing discussions within the BCCI. He wrote, “The coach’s significance in one’s life, their guidance, and relentless training shape the future of any person, both on and off the field. So choose the coach and institution wisely…”

This tweet has ignited a wave of reactions from cricket fans and analysts alike. Many are interpreting Ganguly’s message as a veiled warning against appointing Gambhir, while others recall Ganguly’s tumultuous experience with former India coach Greg Chappell as a possible influence behind his tweet.

https://x.com/CricketNDTV/status/1796800216538214613

Ganguly’s captain tenure and subsequent fallout with Greg Chappell are well-documented. Ganguly brought Chappell on board after John Wright’s tenure ended. The relationship began positively, with Chappell assisting Ganguly during India’s tour of Australia in 2003-04. However, their rapport deteriorated rapidly, culminating in Ganguly’s removal as captain and exclusion from the team following a leaked email from Chappell to the BCCI.

Ganguly eventually returned to the team in 2006, but his relationship with Chappell remained strained. Chappell’s coaching methods faced criticism from other senior players, leading to his dismissal after India’s early exit from the 2007 ODI World Cup.

Gambhir’s Candidacy and Public Perception

Gautam Gambhir’s potential appointment as head coach is notable, given his successful tenure as KKR captain, where he led the team to two IPL titles. Despite this, his candidacy has not been universally accepted, with some speculating about his managerial style and fit for the national team.

Interestingly, Gambhir’s history with Ganguly adds another layer to the narrative. After Ganguly failed to secure an IPL title for KKR in the first three seasons, Gambhir took over as captain and delivered two championships. This shift also led to a notable moment during an IPL match in 2012, where the Eden Gardens crowd was divided in their support for Ganguly’s Sahara Pune Warriors and Gambhir’s KKR.

Also read Gautam Gambhir on Relationship with Virat Kohli: ‘Country Doesn’t Need to Know’

Ganguly’s tweet has elicited mixed reactions from fans. Some interpret his message as a subtle jab at Gambhir’s potential appointment, while others see it as a general advisory based on his own experiences. The public is also recalling the contentious Ganguly-Chappell era, drawing parallels and contrasts with the current situation.

As of now, the BCCI has not confirmed any candidates for the head coach position. According to reports, no prominent foreign names applied for the role before the May 27 deadline. With the T20 World Cup nearing and Dravid’s tenure coming to an end, the decision on the next head coach is imminent.