Sourav Ganguly cautions Gautam Gambhir with ‘KKR vs India’ alert ahead of potential IND head coach appointment

Sourav Ganguly’s statement came just two days after he took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to highlight the significance of a good coach.

Speculations are rife that Gautam Gambhir is all but certain to become the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, thus taking over the reins from Rahul Dravid after his tenure ends post the 2024 T20 World Cup. On Thursday, former India captain Sourav Ganguly sent an indirect “choose the coach wisely” message to BCCI which instantly went viral. Two days hence, Ganguly cautioned Gambhir with a mention on his IPL 2024 title win as the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders.

With BCCI calling for applicants for the India head coach position late last month, a bunch of foreign names were linked with the role, namely Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer and Stephen Fleming, with reports indicating that the board was keen to rope in the New Zealand legend.

Gambhir, however, became the front-runner after the BCCI secretary made it clear that the board wants an Indian to become the head coach because he would be more familiar with the domestic system. And after he led the KKR team to their third IPL title victory in team history this season, his stock quickly increased.

Amid reports indicating that Gambhir’s appointment is a done deal, former BCCI president Ganguly, in conversation with RevSportz, hailed the ODI World Cup winner as a “good candidate” before warning him that the level of pressure in an IPL team is far different from than in the Indian national side.

“He is passionate, he is honest…he is a very good candidate. There is indeed a difference between coaching or mentoring a franchise, and coaching an international team, that too a high-profile team like India. But I am sure Gautam will know it and is aware of it.

He will know how to deal with stars like Virat and Rohit, and will surely adapt himself to the culture of the change room. It is not just about pushing your own thoughts. He will, I am sure, think and carry the change room with himself,” he said.

Ganguly’s words came just two days after he took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to highlight the significance of a good coach. “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…” the former India captain wrote.

The tweet sparked a furore on social media, with few reckoning that Ganguly was recalling his tough times under Greg Chappell during his playing days, while others questioned whether he was against the potential appointment of Gambhir.

In the cricket world, a noteworthy exchange has emerged between Sourav Ganguly and Gautam Gambhir, centered around the potential appointment of Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian national team. Ganguly, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, has subtly cautioned Gambhir about the potential conflict of interest, given Gambhir’s strong ties with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), an IPL franchise.

Gambhir, who led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, has recently returned to the franchise as a mentor. His deep connection with the team and the city of Kolkata has always been a significant part of his cricketing journey.

He fondly recalls his initial days with KKR, expecting backlash for replacing Ganguly as captain but receiving immense support and love from the fans instead. This strong bond with KKR and Kolkata could potentially complicate his transition to a national coaching role, a point Ganguly subtly highlighted.

Ganguly’s concern is rooted in ensuring that the national team’s interests remain paramount, free from any IPL franGUchise influences. This is a critical consideration as the head coach role demands undivided attention and a conflict-free environment to make unbiased decisions for the national team.

As Gambhir eyes the prestigious coaching role, his past experiences and strong affiliations with KKR might both serve as strengths and potential conflicts. His response to Ganguly’s caution and how he balances these relationships will be crucial if he steps into the role of India’s head coach.