Sourav Ganguly reveals Greg Chappell wanted to coach KKR, says ‘He had sent me an email in 2011’

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has made a surprising revelation about former India head coach Greg Chappell, stating that the Australian legend once wanted to coach Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League.

The revelation adds another chapter to one of Indian Cricket‘s most controversial relationships. Chappell and Ganguly were involved in a highly publicized fallout during Chappell’s tenure as India’s head coach, which eventually led to Ganguly losing the captaincy and his place in the national team.

Greg Chappell wanted to coach KKR

Speaking on the Adda with GB podcast, Ganguly revealed that Chappell had sent him an email during the 2011 IPL season expressing his desire to coach KKR while Ganguly was leading the franchise.

“He had also sent me an email once before, in 2011 when I was the KKR captain, that he wanted to coach KKR,” Ganguly said.

The statement stunned cricket fans considering the strained relationship between the two during their time with the Indian team.

Ganguly’s blunt response

When asked how a potential reunion with Chappell at KKR would have worked, Ganguly made it clear that he was never interested in revisiting that chapter.

“Dada is not that big of a fool,” Ganguly said with a laugh.

The former BCCI president suggested that while he may have experienced difficulties once, he had no intention of repeating the same mistake.

‘I don’t answer people who are not honest’

Ganguly also shared another interesting anecdote, revealing that Chappell later sent him a text message asking him to sign a petition supporting former Pakistan captain Imran Khan.

However, Ganguly chose not to respond.

“I don’t answer people who are not honest,” Ganguly said.

Explaining his stance, Ganguly emphasized that he respects criticism and differing opinions but has little tolerance for people he believes act dishonestly.

Choosing between Greg Chappell and John Buchanan

During his IPL career with KKR, Ganguly also had disagreements with former coach John Buchanan, whose controversial multiple-captaincy model created friction within the franchise.

Interestingly, when asked to choose between Chappell and Buchanan, Ganguly picked Chappell, acknowledging that despite their differences, the former Australia captain possessed a deep understanding of cricket.

The revelation offers fresh insight into one of cricket’s most talked-about rivalries and highlights how even years after their fallout, Greg Chappell still sought a return to working alongside Sourav Ganguly.

Key Highlights

• Sourav Ganguly revealed Greg Chappell wanted to coach Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Chappell reportedly emailed Ganguly during the 2011 IPL season.
• Ganguly rejected the possibility of a reunion due to their past differences.
• The former India captain said he does not respond to people he considers dishonest.
• Ganguly surprisingly chose Chappell over John Buchanan when comparing former rivals.