Indian veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gave a glowing tribute to the former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly after guiding the latter Pretoria Capitals reached the final SA20 2026. Ashwin, who went to the X on Thursday, praised Ganguly’s inspirational leadership, describing his impact as a coach as nothing short of “earthquake” in South African cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin praises Sourav Ganguly’s leadership
Ashwin’s message was more than an ordinary congratulatory note. It reflected deep admiration for Ganguly’s evolution as a leader across all eras and roles. Referring to the popular opinion about Ganguly’s biography that he “created an earthquake”, Ashwin cleverly linked the quote to the former skipper’s success in SA20s today.
According to Ashwin, the same qualities that once reshaped Indian cricket are now evident in Ganguly’s coaching abroad. He highlighted how Ganguly’s leadership, long transformative for the Indian national side, has now extended its influence beyond borders, helping to bring India’s coaching philosophies to the global stage.
“He once said ‘When I write my autobiography he will create vibrations’ For now he is creating vibrations in South Africa with @PretoriaCapsSA. His leadership has been inspiring as always and as a coach it is no different.👏👏 Bringing Indian coaching to the world 🔥@SGanguly99,” Ashwin wrote about X.
He once said, “When I write my autobiography, it will send shivers down my spine.”
For now, it is creating vibrations in South Africa @PretoriaCapsSA team.
His leadership has always been inspirational and it is no different as a coach.👏👏
Bringing Indian coaching to the world… pic.twitter.com/YKGcRShoAz
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 22, 2026
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From manager to practical coach
after taking office as president BCCIGanguly’s return to jail came as a surprise to many. Instead of continuing in purely administrative or advisory roles, he has chosen to dive straight into team building as head coach of the Pretoria Capitals for the 2026 season.
The move raised questions at first, but the results quickly silenced all doubts. Despite a rocky start early in the tournament, Ganguly’s calm authority and keen cricketing instincts helped the Capitals find momentum at the right time. Their campaign culminated with a seven-wicket victory over the team Sunrisers Eastern Cape In Qualifier 1, it seals direct entry to the final.
Pretoria Capitals turned around under Ganguly
Under the guidance of Ganguly, along with an assistant coach Shaun PollockCapitals have emerged as one of the most tactically astute sides in the competition. Observers have noted several defining aspects of their resurgence.
The team has cleverly adapted to the slow surfaces, using the conditions to their advantage rather than forcing an aggressive template. Young players have flourished in the environment, with confidence and clarity in roles becoming hallmarks of the Capitals’ approach. The team’s composure in difficult moments has also drawn praise, reflecting the trademark confidence Ganguly instills in his teams on game days.
With the SA20 final scheduled for Sunday, January 25, Pretoria Capitals head into the title clash full of confidence. Ganguly’s return to frontline coaching has already been confirmed, regardless of the final result.
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