Sourav Ganguly Begins New Innings As Head Coach Of Pretoria Capitals

Former India captain and cricketing legend Sourav Ganguly has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career, being appointed the head coach of the Pretoria Capitals for the upcoming SA20 2026 season. This marks Ganguly’s first-ever role as a head coach of a professional cricket team, a significant milestone after years of contribution in administrative and mentoring capacities.

The Pretoria Capitals confirmed the news with enthusiasm on social media, captioning their announcement: “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.” Ganguly takes over the reins from former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who stepped down after a challenging 2025 season where the Capitals managed just two wins out of ten games.

Ganguly’s Journey To The Coaching Hotseat

Since retiring from international cricket in 2008, Ganguly has worn many hats — from becoming the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to serving as BCCI president between 2019 and 2022. His close ties to JSW Sports, the owners of Pretoria Capitals, saw him appointed as Director of Cricket last year. In this role, he worked closely with IPL and WPL franchise Delhi Capitals, providing mentorship and strategic input.

Ganguly’s association with the Capitals dates back several years, including a stint as a mentor for Delhi Capitals in 2019. However, this SA20 appointment is his first full-fledged coaching role, marking an exciting phase as he shifts from advisory roles to leading a team on the field.

What Lies Ahead For Ganguly And Pretoria Capitals

The SA20 2026 season has been rescheduled to run from December 26 to January 25, a move designed to avoid clashing with the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host.

Ahead of the tournament, Ganguly’s immediate focus will be the player auction scheduled for September 9. Pretoria Capitals, who finished fifth in the 2024 and 2025 SA20 seasons and missed the playoffs, are counting on Ganguly’s leadership to revitalize the squad and return them to the summit of South African T20 cricket.

The franchise also announced the appointment of legendary South African pacer Shaun Pollock as assistant coach, pairing experience with fresh leadership.

Ganguly’s Vision And Future Aspirations

Ganguly has expressed openness to coaching roles beyond franchise cricket. In recent interviews, he has hinted at the possibility of one day helming the Indian team, aged just 50 and eager to take on new challenges.

His extensive background in cricket administration and deep understanding of the game provide a solid foundation for his new role. Pretoria Capitals fans will be eager to see how “The Prince” translates his cricketing intelligence and charisma into coaching success.

SA20 Pretoria Capitals Recent Performance Summary