Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as head coach of SA20 franchise Pretoria Capitals ahead of the 2026 season. This marks his first assignment as head coach of a cricket team. The Centurion-based outfit confirmed the same on Sunday, a day after announcing that Jonathan Trott had stepped down from the role following a disappointing campaign. “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 franchise posted on Instagram. Ganguly, who also served as BCCI president between 2019 and 2022, has previously worked in team management roles but never as head coach. In the IPL, he was team director of Delhi Capitals between 2018 and 2019 before vacating the position upon taking charge at the BCCI. Pretoria Capitals, like their IPL namesake Delhi Capitals, are owned by JSW Sports. Ganguly was appointed as the group’s director of cricket last year, strengthening his association with the owners before now stepping into the dugout for the South African league.
Pretoria Capitals on Instagram (Screengrab)
The move comes after a difficult season for the Capitals. Under Trott, who took charge ahead of the 2025 edition, the team managed only two wins in 10 group games, finishing fifth in the six-team table and missing out on the knockouts. On Saturday, the franchise paid tribute to their outgoing coach. “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!” the club wrote on social media.
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With Ganguly at the helm, Pretoria will hope for a turnaround in fortunes in the 2026 season. The appointment also signals the start of a new phase for the former India skipper, who takes on a hands-on coaching role for the first time in his career.
