Former Indian cricket skipper Sourav Ganguly has started a new phase in his rich career, becoming the head coach of Pretoria Capitals as the franchise gears up for the coming SA20 League season. The franchise announced the same on social media, welcoming Ganguly to their fold. “The Prince is all ready to inject a royal touch into the Capitals camp! We are thrilled to announce Sourav Ganguly as our new head coach,” the Pretoria Capitals posted on Instagram.
First Stint as Head Coach
This marks Ganguly’s first role as the head coach of any professional cricket team. He succeeds former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who led the team previously. The franchise expressed gratitude to Trott on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Jonathan Trott, forever grateful for your leadership and unwavering dedication to the team. All the best on your next adventure! Once a Capital, always a Capital!”
Ganguly’s appointment is eagerly awaited, considering he has a deep understanding of cricket strategy and leadership experience on and off the pitch.
From Captain to Administrator
Since his retirement from international cricket in 2008, Ganguly has continued to be a key figure in cricket administration. He was the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and now heads the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. He also serves as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
His involvement in franchise cricket has been mostly in administrative and mentoring roles. Ganguly has served as the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL after being appointed as JSW Sports’ Director of Cricket last year. In 2019, he was also a mentor for Delhi Capitals before taking over the BCCI presidency.
Stepping into Full-Fledged Coaching
With Pretoria Capitals, Ganguly will have his first full-time head coaching position. Everyone is waiting to know how his strategic thinking and leadership skills as a coach translate into team handling on the field. His first job will be to get the team ready for the player auction, which will take place on September 9, where top talent for the season will be acquired.
The 2026 SA20 League has been advanced to not conflict with the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, to be played in India and Sri Lanka. The league will take place from December 26 to January 25. Ganguly’s task will be to create a unit and competitive team that can compete for the championship in this compacted and high-profile calendar.
Expectations and Impact
Ganguly’s appointment is likely to bring a mix of experience, tactical acumen, and leadership into the Pretoria Capitals team. Having been an aggressive captain during his playing career, “Dada” has a winning approach and a talent to develop young players as an asset for a league that seeks to highlight upcoming stars alongside veterans.
Pretoria Capitals prepare for their season with Ganguly’s presence set to have a huge impact both on and off the field, ushering in a new era for the franchise and giving cricket lovers another reason to follow the SA20 closely.
