August 25, 2025, New Delhi

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and ex-BCCI president, has officially plunged into the coaching realm, marking a significant shift in his illustrious cricketing journey. The 53-year-old has been appointed head coach of the Pretoria Capitals for the upcoming SA20 season—his first formal stint in such a role.

The appointment is timely, aligning with the franchise's ambition to bounce back after middling performances. Ganguly replaces Jonathan Trott, whose tenure ended earlier this year, with the new season’s action set to begin in December.

Ganguly’s résumé reads like Indian cricket’s who’s-who: a former star player, IPL mentor for Delhi Capitals, and a high-profile BCCI administrator. It has long been anticipated that his post-administration chapter could involve a more hands-on role, and that moment is now here.

Could Dada Replace Gambhir Midway?

Naturally, speculation is already swirling over whether this could be the first step toward Ganguly one day taking over as India’s head coach—potentially replacing Gautam Gambhir midway through his tenure.

Analysts suggest that Ganguly’s coaching debut isn’t just symbolic; it may be strategic. Few administrators hold his influence, and in a limited pool of veteran candidates, his name stands out. Compared to other IPL coaching hopefuls—like Ashish Nehra, Mahela Jayawardene, or Ricky Ponting—none have emerged as especially compelling options.

Nonetheless, Ganguly himself has urged patience. Earlier this year, he lauded Gambhir’s progress, describing a “slow” start transformed into momentum after India’s Champions Trophy triumph. Ganguly’s measured tone suggests he respects Gambhir’s unfinished mandate—while also quietly positioning himself as a standby.

On the ground, Gambhir’s tenure has had highs and lows. The Champions Trophy win remains the jewel in his coaching résumé, but retirements of legends like Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, combined with a patchy record in bilateral series, have fueled criticism. Social media chatter has even speculated about rifts within the dressing room, though on-field results suggest otherwise. More recently, Gambhir has managed to steady the ship, including a hard-fought Test draw in England that gave him some breathing space.

Still, Gambhir’s rapport with the team remains strong, and without a major downturn in results, the BCCI is unlikely to disrupt continuity before his contract runs out in 2027. Unlike other boards, where coaching stints are often chopped and changed, Indian cricket has prided itself on maintaining stability in leadership.

Final Take

Ganguly’s role with Pretoria Capitals signals the start of a new coaching chapter—and sets the stage for bigger possibilities. Yet, unless India stumbles significantly or Gambhir’s relationship with players deteriorates, a mid-term switch seems improbable.

What’s clear, however, is this: Indian cricket has its trusted veteran waiting in the wings, should the call ever come. And when it does, few names carry the gravitas of Sourav Ganguly—the Royal Bengal Tiger still ready to roar.

Dada’s Next Roar? Sourav Ganguly Steps Into Coaching

Sourav Ganguly has officially started his first coaching stint with the Pretoria Capitals in SA20, opening a brand-new chapter in his cricket journey. From legendary captain to BCCI president, Ganguly has worn many hats, and now the “Royal Bengal Tiger” takes charge in the dugout. With Gautam Gambhir currently steering India till 2027, whispers are already growing about whether Ganguly could be next in line. For now, he’s focused on South Africa, but his stature, vision, and leadership mean Indian cricket fans may soon see him back in blue—this time as coach.

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