Would Like Virat To Focus On Winning Big Tournaments, Says Sourav Ganguly

Ganguly stated that he would like to see the Indian team management focus on winning more ICC tournaments

The Cricket Association of Bengal rolled out the red carpet for BCCI president-elect and former India captain Sourav Ganguly as he landed in Kolkata on Tuesday. He addressed a press conference on his arrival and spoke on the sidelines of his new responsibility.

Speaking on his priorities after taking over, Ganguly said, “First-class cricketers will be my priority and we will change their life. You only look at the top but we will also look at the bottom as many gems of Indian cricket lie there and we will change their life.”

Ganguly stated that he would like to see the Indian team management focus on winning more ICC tournaments and that is an area he would like skipper Virat Kohli to address.

“My only thing is that they need to win big tournaments. They are not going to win every time but they have gone through seven tournaments without winning one,” Ganguly told reporters at the Eden Gardens.

“They are a much better side than that. That is an area they need to get ready mentally. Talent is enormous. We reached the World Cup semis. That's an issue which Virat needs to address. It doesn't happen in the boardroom,” Ganguly added.

Asked about the 50-over Champions Trophy being replaced by back-to-back World T20s in 2020 and 2021, Ganguly said, “Times have changed. We will have to respect that. When the Champions Trophy came in, I was the captain that time and it was a huge tournament. With the advent of T20, people come in more for T20 games and the ICC is going by that.”

Ganguly also thanked the people for their support and promised that he will leave no stones unturned for the betterment of the Indian cricket.

“It is a great responsibility and hopefully I can do a good job. Its two different lives -- one is a cricketer and the second one of an administrator. Firstly, I think what makes me happier is that I got an opportunity in a tough situation and it gives me tremendous confidence and makes me feel that they have confidence in my ability. I have a young team and it will be new for all of them, but all of us will work to the best of our abilities and we won't lack anywhere,” he expressed.