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Indian Former Captain Sourav Ganguly tells HardTalk extra: I am looking forward to play for India
As captain of India’s national cricket team, Sourav Ganguly’s achievements were remarkable. In 2003 he’d led his team to a first-ever test series against Pakistan to victory and cemented his place as India’s most successful captain ever. Ganguly is currently playing for Northamptonshire in the English county championship and hopes he can play his way back into the Indian team. However with the Indian team finding form again after a test series win in the West Indies, is there a place for him? In an exclusive interview on BBC World’s HARDtalk extra Rob Bonnet speaks to him. Excerpts from his interview below:
Talking about his aspirations for a return to the Indian national team, Ganguly says, “It’s not just the World Cup it’s even further beyond. I am going to be 33 so I don’t think it’s an age to make a decision yet about cricket. I’ll keep on performing…I’ve not even thought about anything at this stage except playing the game. I just want to keep on playing, keep on performing, do what is in my hands, that is, playing the game, batting and bowling and fielding, and not worry about the rest…I just want to keep on playing and I still feel that I can be part of a successful side in terms of my contribution.”
He adds, “I’ll do what’s in my hands, perform, because at the end of the day you can only be judged by your performances. If I don’t perform I don’t get back. If I perform I expect to get back …I am determined to get runs on the board…I had a good domestic season. I got to play in one test match in Pakistan where I was the second highest scorer after Yuvraj [Singh].”
Ganguly does rule out being captain of Indian team again and feels, “You don’t have captains every six months, if you have captains every six months it’s wrong. I am looking forward to playing as a player.” He confesses he won’ be disappointed if he doesn’t come back in and says, ”I have played 390 internationals for India, captained 200. I must be one of the lucky few.”
Talking about the controversy surrounding his sacking as captain and subsequent removal from the national team, Ganguly shares plan of possibly writing a book. ‘There will be some time when I will correct this…I’m too lazy to write a 600 page book…maybe when I finish or at some stage when I feel it’s the right time I will clear it up. Talking about the book he says, ”It will be all about cricket…on the field and some things off the field.” When asked if it will include a chapter on Chappell, Greg, he signs off ”’Well when you read the book you’ll find out.” .
This edition of HARDtalk extra will be telecast on BBC World on Sunday 9th July at 1100 and 1700 IST.
For further information contact:
Deeptie Sethi/ Neha Sharma Priyanki Ahluwalia
BBC World Genesis Public Relations
Tel: 91 11 2341 2672/73 Ext. 102 Tel: 95124 504 4999 Ext. 173
Email: deeptie.sethi@bbc.co.uk Email: priyanki.ahluwalia@bm.com
Note to Editors
BBC World, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World Ltd, a member of the BBC’s commercial group of companies. BBC World is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and reaches 280 million households (140 million 24-hour homes) and more than one million hotel rooms. The channel commenced transmission in 1991 as BBC World Service Television and in 1995 was re-branded BBC World, a 24-hour news and information channel broadcasting across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Japan. For further information on how to receive BBC World, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit www.bbcworld.com
People
BBC appoints Matt Brittin as 18th Director-General
Former Google EMEA president to lead broadcaster from May amid global change
LONDON: The BBC has named Matt Brittin as its 18th Director-General, placing a seasoned technology and media leader at the helm of one of the world’s most influential public broadcasters. He will formally assume the role on 18 May.
Brittin steps into the position after a brief “gap year”, as he described it, returning to the spotlight with a job that, in his own words, was “probably not one either you or I were expecting”. The appointment signals a strategic tilt towards digital expertise at a time when traditional broadcasting continues to evolve at pace.
The new Director-General brings more than 18 years of experience from Google, where he held several senior roles, including President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. During his tenure, he played a central role in expanding the company’s footprint across Europe and shaping its regional strategy.
More recently, Brittin served as Senior Independent Director at The Guardian, adding boardroom insight from one of Britain’s leading news organisations. His career also spans roles at McKinsey, Trinity Mirror and Sainsbury’s, giving him a broad perspective across media, retail and strategy.
The Director-General position carries dual responsibility as chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, overseeing the BBC’s creative, editorial and operational direction both in the UK and globally. It is a role that demands not just leadership, but a steady editorial compass in an increasingly complex media landscape.
“Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world,” Brittin said. He added that the broadcaster remains “an extraordinary, uniquely British asset” with a legacy of innovation in storytelling and technology.
His appointment comes at a moment when public service broadcasters are under pressure to balance tradition with transformation, navigating shifting audience habits, digital disruption and funding debates. Brittin’s blend of Silicon Valley scale and British media sensibility may prove timely.
With “big challenges and big opportunities” ahead, Brittin appears ready to get started. The real test begins in May, when he moves from anticipation to action at Broadcasting House.
