Sourav Ganguly keeps mum on being India's next cricket coach

New Delhi: Former skipper Sourav Ganguly on Thursday preferred to remain tightlipped on whether he is a possible contender for next coach of the Indian cricket team, saying "let's not speculate".

Ganguly's reaction came after reports emerged that he is in the race to become the new Indian cricket team coach and has put in an informal word to the new BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya about his interest to replace Duncan Fletcher, whose tenure ended after the World Cup.

"I am hearing this for the first time," was Ganguly's reaction when asked about whether he is in the fray to be the next coach.

"I don't want to say anything on this. Let's not speculate. Don't jump the gun," he added.

'The Wall' Rahul Dravid's name is also doing the rounds for the vacant post.

Earlier, as per a report published in a leading English newspaper, an unindentified insider from Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had confirmed that Ganguly is believed to have had an informal word with new BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya about his keenness to replace Duncan Fletcher, whose term as India coach ended after the World Cup.

"Sourav's achievements as a cricketer and his tactical acumen present a strong case. But he has to apply for the job. They had a discussion but Dalmiya didn't give him any assurance," the insider said.

Those who are keen on taking up the job will have to apply, make a presentation and then sit for an interview. A panel of BCCI office bearers and former India captains are going to conduct the interviews.

The decision is expected to be taken within a fortnight.

The BCCI Working Committee will discuss and debate the above options at its April 26 meeting.