Sourav Ganguly Open to Coaching Team India, Rules Out Political Entry Before 2026 Elections. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, who earlier served as President of both the Cricket Association of Bengal and the BCCI, has expressed interest in taking up the role of India’s head coach. However, he made it clear that he has no political plans ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. Ganguly shared his thoughts in a recent podcast interview with PTI in Kolkata.
Currently, Gautam Gambhir is at the helm as head coach of the Indian Cricket Team. He took over the reins from Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended after leading India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024. Despite the World Cup win, India faced setbacks soon after, including disappointing ODI losses to Sri Lanka and test defeats against New Zealand and Australia, which ultimately led to their failure to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 final.
Nevertheless, Gambhir bounced back strongly by guiding India to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title and is now leading the team in a crucial five-match Test series against England.
“I’m Just 50…” – Sourav Ganguly Open to Coaching Team India in the Future
Sourav Ganguly, former BCCI president and one of India’s most iconic cricket captains, has expressed openness to becoming the head coach of the Indian national team in the future. This comes amidst speculation around Gautam Gambhir’s potential appointment to the role.
Ganguly had earlier turned down the opportunity due to prior commitments, but now seems more willing to consider it. Known for his sharp cricketing mind and leadership qualities, Ganguly brings vast experience to the table — having served as BCCI President, led the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), coached in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and acted as a mentor and advisor to the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL.
Speaking to PTI, Sourav Ganguly said, “I never really thought about it because I was involved in other roles. I retired from competitive cricket in 2013, and soon after became the BCCI President.”
Sourav Ganguly When asked directly about the possibility of coaching India, he replied:
“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.”
Ganguly also addressed the possibility of entering politics and made his stance clear:
“I am not interested.”
VIDEO | Veteran cricketer Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99), when asked whether he could have contributed more to Indian cricket by coaching the national team, said:
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 22, 2025
"I never really thought about it (coaching the Indian team) because I got into different roles. I finished in 2013 and… pic.twitter.com/Z0LRaNXd3q
