Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind the host nation's spin-heavy bowling unit, identifying it as a decisive factor for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup on home soil. Speaking to the media in Cape Town on Saturday, Ganguly emphasised that the fitness of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy could be pivotal in India's campaign to defend the title when the tournament commences on February 7.
Spin Arsenal Gives India the Home Advantage
India's selectors have packed the squad for next month's global event with spin options, including Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. Ganguly believes this variety provides India with a significant edge in familiar conditions. "Yeah, nothing gets bigger than that (a home World Cup), and India is always my favourite team," Ganguly stated. "They have a strong spin attack and if Chakravarthy is fit then it's good for India."
The former skipper's comments underscore the strategic importance of adapting to home pitches, where spinners are traditionally more influential. A fit and firing Chakravarthy, with his unique variations, could be the X-factor in tight matches during the knockout stages.
Ganguly's New Chapter: From Captain to Head Coach
Currently serving as the head coach of Pretoria Capitals in South Africa's SA20 league, Ganguly opened up about his first formal coaching assignment. He revealed that the role came about through his close association with Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal, for whom he also works as Director of Cricket in the IPL.
"First time ever in my life, head coach. But I am enjoying it," Ganguly said. "Actually, I am very close to Parth (Jindal), so he asked me to do this, so I did it. I am also learning. I may have played any amount of matches, captained any amount of matches, but this (coaching) is different."
He described the experience as a fresh learning curve, offering new perspectives on the game beyond his illustrious playing and captaincy career. This hands-on role is helping him understand the dynamics of team management from a different vantage point.
Building Momentum in SA20 and Fond Memories of South Africa
Ganguly's coaching stint began on a positive note as his Pretoria Capitals side secured a 21-run victory over Paarl Royals at Boland Park, moving up to third place in the points table with their second consecutive win. Reflecting on the tournament's intensity, Ganguly highlighted the importance of peaking at the right time.
"When you play any big tournament, whether it's a World Cup, IPL or SA20, the back-end gets very tight and competitive and that's where you need to be at your best," he explained. "You know these sort of wins when you defend... it actually gives you a lot of confidence."
He expressed his delight at beginning his coaching journey in South Africa, a country that holds deep cricketing memories for him, including the 2003 ODI World Cup final. "This has been a great place for us. I have come so many times here... South Africa is a place for cricket. You can see how good the tournament is. The stands are full, even on a weekday," Ganguly remarked, praising the vibrant cricket culture in Cape Town, Pretoria, and Paarl.
As India finalises its preparations for the T20 World Cup, Ganguly's dual focus remains clear: guiding his SA20 franchise through a competitive season and keenly watching the form and fitness of India's key spinners, who he believes will be central to the nation's hopes of lifting the trophy at home.
