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Sourav Ganguly's New Role with Pretoria Capitals

Sourav Ganguly's appointment as the head coach of the Pretoria Capitals marks a significant milestone in his illustrious cricket career. This development hints at a potential future where the 'Prince of Kolkata' could take the reins as head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Ganguly's cricketing journey is remarkable, transitioning from a legendary player and captain to a broadcaster, CAB president, director of Delhi Capitals, and former BCCI president. With coaching now part of his extensive experience, the path to one of the most prestigious coaching positions in cricket seems increasingly likely.

Why Ganguly is an Ideal Choice

Beyond being a captain, Ganguly has been a team builder and a talent nurturer. His leadership saw the rise of a golden generation in Indian cricket, including stars like Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan. His fearless approach and support for young players transformed India into a formidable team across all formats.

Even after retiring, Ganguly has maintained his influence, mentoring young players at Delhi Capitals and serving as BCCI president, where he has made significant policy decisions. His reputation remains intact, even following controversies like the Kohli-BCCI issue in 2021.

Learning from Previous Coaches

Coaching the Indian team is a challenging task. Ravi Shastri's tenure left him visibly exhausted, while Rahul Dravid stepped down to prioritize family time. Gautam Gambhir, who took over last year, has had a mixed record, achieving a Champions Trophy victory but also facing backlash for the retirement of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket.

Despite this, Gambhir has shown potential, managing a hard-fought 2–2 series draw in England and continuing to develop young talent. However, his journey is still in its infancy, and with a contract lasting until 2027, immediate changes may not be forthcoming.

The Inevitable Question: Timing of Change

The BCCI is unlikely to make drastic changes unless performance declines significantly or relationships between players and coaches deteriorate. However, cricket is unpredictable, and if a change is necessary, Ganguly would be the natural choice.

At 53, having overcome serious health challenges, Ganguly appears rejuvenated and eager to contribute to cricket on a larger scale. His measured responses, such as 'we’ll see when the time comes,' reflect a similar path taken by Dravid before he became head coach. His role with Pretoria Capitals could serve as a proving ground for future opportunities.

A Promising Future Ahead

While Indian cricket values stability, history shows that great players often return to leadership roles. Ganguly has already excelled as a captain, administrator, and mentor. With coaching now on his agenda, the prospect of him leading Team India from the sidelines feels increasingly plausible.

Regardless of whether Gambhir completes his term, one thing is certain: Indian cricket will always have its Royal Bengal Tiger poised to step in when the moment is right.

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