Formal Indian Captain and batting great Sourav Ganguly is in the race to replace Duncan Fletcher as Indian cricket team coach, according to a newspaper report. According to a report in the Indian Express, a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) insider has revealed that Ganguly has put in an informal word to the new BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya about his interest to replace Fletcher, whose tenure 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 officials and former captains will decide on new coach.

A section of the cricket board also wants Dravid to put himself in the race. "Dravid is a hugely respected figure and is doing a great job as Rajasthan Royals mentor and coach. We want someone to take this young team forward. Dravid would be a top candidate, but like Ganguly, he, too, has to apply for the job if he's interested," said a source.

There are other options that are being considered. The first is to continue with the existing set-up of a team director currently held by Ravi Shastri, with a relatively low-profile coach like Sanjay Bangar or Pravin Amre working under him. But if a high-profile coach is appointed, then the post of team director is likely to be done away with.