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| Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly addresses a press conference. — AFP/File |
Sourav Ganguly Named Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals in SA20 League
Sourav Ganguly Appointed Pretoria Capitals Head Coach in SA20 League with Shaun Pollock as Assistant
Indian cricket legend Sourav Ganguly has been named head coach of Pretoria Capitals for SA20 2025, with Shaun Pollock as assistant coach. Ganguly takes charge ahead of the September 9 player auction.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly addresses a press conference. — AFP/File Indian cricket great and former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has been appointed head coach of Pretoria Capitals, confirmed South Africa's SA20 franchise on Sunday. The 53-year-old succeeds...
Indian cricket legend and former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has taken on a new challenge as the head coach of Pretoria Capitals in South Africa’s SA20 franchise league. The announcement, made on Sunday, has already sparked excitement among fans who fondly remember Ganguly as one of India’s most charismatic captains and later as a respected cricket administrator.
The 53-year-old, often called the Prince of Kolkata, succeeds former England batter Jonathan Trott, who stepped down following a difficult 2025 season. Pretoria Capitals confirmed the news with an enthusiastic post on social media, writing, “The prince is all set to bring a royal flair to the Capitals camp! We are ecstatic to announce Sourav Ganguly as our new head coach.”
Alongside Ganguly, South African cricket great Shaun Pollock has been appointed as the assistant coach, bringing invaluable experience to a team determined to bounce back after two underwhelming seasons.
A New Chapter in Ganguly’s Career
Since retiring from international cricket in 2008, Ganguly has remained deeply involved in the game. From 2019 to 2022, he served as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), shaping key policies and overseeing Indian cricket at its highest administrative level.
He also worked as a mentor for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, providing strategic insights and guidance to younger players. However, this marks the first time Ganguly will take complete charge of a coaching staff, making it a significant milestone in his post-playing career.
His first official duty as Pretoria Capitals’ head coach will be leading preparations for the SA20 player auction on September 9, a critical step as the team looks to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.
Pretoria Capitals Aim for a Revival
Pretoria Capitals enjoyed a dream run in the inaugural SA20 2023 season, topping the league table and finishing as runners-up. But the momentum didn’t last. In both 2024 and 2025, the team ended fifth, missing out on the playoffs, and Trott’s tenure as head coach came under scrutiny after managing only two wins from ten matches in the latest campaign.
By appointing Ganguly, the franchise is signaling a fresh start, banking on his leadership skills, strategic mind, and ability to nurture young talent. His partnership with Shaun Pollock—one of South Africa’s greatest all-rounders—adds further strength to the Capitals’ coaching setup.
Fans React to the Appointment
Ganguly’s appointment has stirred excitement among cricket fans worldwide. Known for his fearless leadership and ability to turn underperforming sides into winning units, many believe he is the right person to rejuvenate the Capitals’ fortunes.
For Ganguly, this opportunity also represents a new frontier. While he has worn many hats in cricket—as captain, administrator, and mentor—this is the first time he will fully command the role of head coach. With his tactical acumen and vast experience, expectations are high for him to transform Pretoria Capitals into genuine contenders for the upcoming SA20 season.
As the countdown to the auction begins, all eyes will be on how Ganguly reshapes the Capitals and whether his arrival marks the beginning of a new golden era for the franchise.
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