Sourav Ganguly Dismisses Political Aspirations, Open to Coaching India

In a recent interview, former Indian cricket captain and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly clarified his future aspirations, emphasizing that he has no interest in entering politics, but remains open to a potential coaching role with the Indian cricket team. This statement comes as speculation mounts regarding the upcoming 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, where political analysts had hinted at Ganguly's possible candidacy.

During a podcast interview with Press Trust of India (PTI) at his residence in Kolkata, the 53-year-old Ganguly stated, "I am not interested" when asked about joining a political party, including the possibility of being offered the chief minister's position in West Bengal. His clear dismissal of political aspirations highlights a focus on his cricketing career and contributions to the sport.

Ganguly's tenure as BCCI President from 2019 to 2021 was marked by significant advancements in Indian cricket, particularly in promoting women's cricket, which he cited as one of his key contributions. His remarks about coaching the Indian cricket team were optimistic yet non-committal. "I never really thought about it because I got into different roles. I finished competitive cricket in 2013 and then became Board President," he explained, underlining his varied roles within cricket administration.

In discussing the current coach of the Indian team, Gautam Gambhir, Ganguly offered praise for Gambhir's passion and dedication. "Gautam 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," he noted, reflecting on Gambhir's growth in the coaching role since taking over from Rahul Dravid. Ganguly acknowledged the importance of allowing Gambhir time to develop further in this capacity, indicating that coaching is a journey that requires patience and experience.

Ganguly's insights into Gambhir's coaching style reveal a supportive stance. "He’s very straightforward, he sees things clearly, and he’s very open about what he feels about the team, players, and people," he remarked. This perspective is significant, especially as the Indian team prepares for crucial upcoming matches, including a series against England, which is expected to test Gambhir's leadership further.

The former captain also reflected on his own playing days alongside Gambhir, highlighting the mutual respect shared between them. "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 stated, reinforcing the camaraderie that exists within the cricketing community.

Looking ahead, Ganguly expressed a hopeful outlook regarding his potential involvement in coaching, saying, "I’m open to it. We’ll see where it goes." This statement has rekindled discussions among cricket enthusiasts about the prospect of Ganguly returning to a coaching role, which many believe would be beneficial for the national team.

Sourav Ganguly's current stance indicates a clear priority towards cricket, with a focus on nurturing talent and supporting the current coaching regime rather than pursuing a political career. As India's cricketing landscape continues to evolve, his insights and potential future role will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, reflecting the ongoing interplay between sports and national identity in India.