Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach is set to conclude after the upcoming T20 World Cup next month. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking a new leader to guide the Men in Blue following the prestigious event. Reports suggest that Gautam Gambhir, who recently mentored the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title, is the frontrunner for the position.
Amidst these speculations, former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly emphasized the importance of a coach’s role in a cryptic tweet. “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,” Sourav Ganguly posted on his official ‘X’ handle.
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…
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) May 30, 2024
Although he did not directly reference the BCCI or the Indian team, the timing of the tweet led some fans to interpret it as a subtle commentary on the potential appointment of Gambhir as head coach. This interpretation has sparked varied reactions among fans, with some criticizing Ganguly for his remarks.
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Despite the lack of any public animosity between Gambhir and Ganguly, there is a notable history between the two. Ganguly captained KKR during the first and third seasons of the IPL before being succeeded by Gambhir. Under Gambhir’s leadership, KKR secured IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, solidifying his reputation as a strategic leader.
A memorable incident occurred during a 2012 match between KKR and the Ganguly-led Sahara Pune Warriors at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The crowd was notably divided, with Ganguly’s fans supporting Pune and KKR’s loyalists cheering for their home team. KKR triumphed in that thrilling match by seven runs.
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Interestingly, Ganguly maintains a cordial relationship with KKR’s principal owner, Shah Rukh Khan. The two were seen warmly embracing during KKR’s IPL 2024 match against Delhi Capitals, where Ganguly serves as the Director of Cricket.
Some fans believe Ganguly’s tweet may have been influenced by his turbulent experiences during Greg Chappell’s controversial tenure as India’s head coach. This period is well-remembered for its internal conflicts and challenges. The deadline for applications for the role of India’s head coach was May 27, and the anticipation surrounding the decision continues to grow. As the cricketing world awaits the BCCI’s announcement, the discussion about the next head coach remains a hot topic.
