Taking over at a time when BCCI image has got hampered, says Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly is arguably India's most successful and effective captain. He was known for his ability to earmark potential superstars whom he nurtured and grew them into world-beaters. Players like Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, have previously reiterated they would never have been even half-decent as the players had Dada not been around.

This shows the kind of impact he has had on Indian cricket. Thus, exciting times lie ahead as he is expected to bring necessary reforms in BCCI's administration and improve the quality of Indian cricket, especially domestic first-class cricket.  "Obviously, it's a great feeling as I have played for the country and captained the country," Ganguly said to PTI.

"And I am taking over at a time when BCCI has not been in greatest of position for the last three years. Its image has got hampered quite a lot. It's a great opportunity for me to do something good," he added.

Ganguly knows that he has a very short period of time to create an impact as he will have to leave the post in July due to compulsory cooling-off period. He believes that improving the first-class cricket and looking after first-class players is something that needs to have a higher priority.

"We will speak to everyone first as we take a decision but my biggest priority will be to look after first-class cricketers. I had requested that to the CoA for three years and they didn't listen. That's the first thing I will do, look after the financial health of our first-class cricketers," said Dada.

He believes that being selected for this post ina a huge responsibility and despite the fact that it is just for nine months, it should be accepted as that is the general rule. He believes that creating an impact is important, no matter how much more or how little time you have at the helm.

"Whether unopposed or not, there has to be responsibility as it is the biggest organisation in world cricket. Financially, India is a cricketing powerhouse, so it will be a challenge. (About the nine-month reign) Yes, that's the rule and we will deal with it," he said.

He acknowledged the work that Jagmohan Dalmiya had put in as former BCCI President and deems him to be like a fatherly figure to him. He believes that those will be some big shoes to fill. "I have never imagined so (that I will be in shoes of late Jagmohan Dalmiya). He has been like a father to me. There has been some great presidents of BCCI, Mr Srinivasan, Anurag, who have done great job," he said.

Lastly when asked about whether this will be different from the role of captaining India, Dada cheekily signed off by replying, "Nothing can beat being an India captain".

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