New Delhi: In what would be the next big return to Team India, Prince of Kolkata Sourav Ganguly is believed to be in the race of becoming new coach.
According to a report in The Indian Express, a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) insider has revealed that the former India captain has put in an informal word to the new BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya about his interest to replace Duncan Fletcher, whose tenure as India coach ended after 2015 World Cup.
The Indian Express quoted its source as saying that Ganguly's achievements make him a strong contender for the post, but Dalmiya didn't assure him of anything.
Interested candidates are required to apply, make a presentation and eventually be interviewed by the BCCI officials and former India captains. Dalmiya who did not reveal much about the big appointment. "Wait for 10-odd days and you will get know," he told The Indian Express.
Interestingly, the CAB insider also revealed that some sections of the BCCI also want Rahul Dravid to join the race. "Dravid is a hugely respected figure and is doing a great job as Rajasthan Royals mentor/coach. We want someone to take this young team forward...Dravid would be a top candidate, but like Ganguly, he, too, has to apply for the job if he's interested," he said.
Sources say, the board is open to various possibilities, including a review of the Team Director's post currently held by Ravi Shastri. The continuation or axing of the position depends on the coach BCCI hires. If it's a high-profile coach, the board may discontinue with the post, while in case of a low-profile coach like Sanjay Bangar, the team set-up may continue with a Team Director in place.
Apart from that, the source also revealed to the newspaper that the new coach will be given a clear mandate of 'start winning abroad.'
"We couldn't beat Australia in a single game in four months and you're saying the team is doing fine," a top official told The Indian Express. "We need a performance overhaul. Test cricket is hugely important. We would like to see what the new coach brings to the table in terms of improving our performance on the road. India rule world cricket and we can't let the world mock us as poor travellers.
The decision is expected to be taken within a fortnight.
The BCCI Working Committee will discuss and debate the above options at its April 26 meeting.
