Sourav Ganguly takes over as head coach

This is the first time former Indian captain has been hired in this role

Last updated: August 24, 2025 | 15:47

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

2 MIN READ

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly.

AFP

Dubai: Former India captain and ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has been named the new head coach of the Pretoria Capitals ahead of the upcoming season of the SA20 league.

The franchise announced the appointment on social media, posting: "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. The Centurion awaits."

This marks Ganguly’s first stint as a head coach in franchise cricket. Previously, he served as team director of the Delhi Capitals between 2018 and 2019, a role he stepped down from upon becoming BCCI President. In 2024, Ganguly was brought on as JSW’s Director of Cricket, a move that hinted at a future coaching position within one of the group’s cricket franchises, which include both Delhi and Pretoria Capitals.

Ganguly will now take charge of the team’s preparations and strategy, including overseeing the SA20 auction scheduled for September 9. His appointment follows the departure of former England batter Jonathan Trott, who stepped down after just one season as head coach. Under Trott's leadership, the Capitals struggled, finishing the 2025 campaign with only two wins from ten group-stage matches and failing to reach the knockouts.

The franchise paid tribute to Trott on social media, 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!”

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.