Former South African captain’s clear assessment on Sourav Ganguly’s SA20 return next season

Sourav Ganguly. (Photo Source: Pretoria Capitals/X)

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly had an impressive first season as head coach of the Pretoria Capitals, leading the team to the finals. After two disappointing seasons, the Capitals made it to the final, where they lost to the most successful team in the tournament’s history – Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith, however, lauded Ganguly for his performance in his maiden season as head coach in the Rainbow Nation. He appreciated the iconic batter for instilling a winning mentality back in the Pretoria-based franchise.

“We have seen the impact of having outstanding people and leaders around the game. Dada is one of the best captains and obviously an icon in India. He brings leadership across the board, and I was really happy to see that things went well for him,” Smith said during a media interaction after the fourth edition of the SA20 came to an end.

“I know he is supremely disappointed about not being able to get over the line at the end, but he did well in the recruitment phase and throughout the tournament. After two poor seasons from the Capitals, it was a big one for them,” he added.

Smith hoped that the Capitals would be able to convince the Prince of Bengal to continue as head coach for at least another season.

“I know he is a very proud and competitive man. I am sure he is disappointed, but we would love to have him back next year,” Smith stated.

The fourth edition of the SA20 saw some exhilarating action over the past few weeks. Sunrisers Eastern Cape chased down a 159-run target with six wickets and four balls to spare in the final. The experienced Quinton de Kock finished as the highest run-getter with 390 runs from 11 matches at an average of 39. Meanwhile, Ottneil Baartman was the top wicket-taker, bagging 20 scalps in nine matches at an average of 13.55.

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