Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has made it clear that politics is not on his radar, despite persistent speculation linking him to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
However, in a candid conversation during a podcast interview with PTI, the iconic left-hander expressed willingness to consider coaching the Indian national team if the opportunity arises.
As he approaches his 53rd birthday this July, Ganguly reflected on his post-retirement journey, saying he never seriously considered coaching earlier due to his involvement in various administrative and cricketing roles.
“Coaching wasn’t something I actively thought about because I moved into different responsibilities after retiring,” Ganguly explained.
“I finished playing in 2013 and soon after became the BCCI President. In that role, one of my biggest contributions was promoting women’s cricket in India, which I take immense pride in.”
Ganguly, who also served as Team Director for Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2024, was asked whether coaching the national team was still a possibility.
“Let’s see where the future leads. I’m not ruling it out. I’m 52 — well, almost 53 — and there’s time. If something comes along, I’m open to it.”
No Political Aspirations — Even with a CM Offer
Amid persistent rumours of his entry into electoral politics, particularly in his home state of West Bengal, Ganguly offered a firm response. When asked if he would consider joining a political party or even if offered the Chief Minister’s post, his answer was short and direct:
“I’m not interested in politics,” he said with a smile. “Even if someone offers me the CM post? Still not interested.”
On Gautam Gambhir’s Early Coaching Tenure
Turning his focus to cricket, Ganguly had high praise for current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, calling his journey so far “promising” and “passionate.”
He acknowledged that Gambhir had a challenging start to his coaching stint, with losses against strong teams like Australia and New Zealand, but added that the Champions Trophy victory in Dubai marked a significant turnaround.
“Gautam’s doing a good job. He had a slow start, but the Champions Trophy win was crucial. Now comes a big challenge — the series against England — which will be an important test.”
When asked about Gambhir’s tactical mind, Ganguly noted that while he hasn’t worked with him directly in a coaching setup, his strong character and honesty stand out.
“I haven’t seen his strategies closely, but one thing’s clear — he’s extremely passionate and very straightforward. He says what he thinks, whether it’s about players or the team. There’s a lot of transparency in the way he operates.”
Recalling their time as teammates, Ganguly praised Gambhir’s respectful nature and dedication:
“He always had a lot of respect for senior players, including myself. That hasn’t changed. Today, I still see that fire and focus in him.”
Ganguly emphasized that Gambhir needs time and space to evolve in his new role.
“He’s just a year into the job. He struggled a bit in Australia, but like all coaches, he’ll gain experience, learn from setbacks, and grow into the role. I wish him the very best.”
In summary, Sourav Ganguly remains a pillar of Indian cricket, open to contributing further as a coach if the opportunity arises, while firmly shutting down all speculation around a political career.
His faith in Gambhir’s development as India’s head coach reflects a shared legacy of leadership that continues to influence Indian cricket today.