Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has paid glowing tribute to former India captain Sourav Ganguly after the latter guided Pretoria Capitals into the final of the SA20 2026. Taking to X on Thursday, Ashwin praised Ganguly’s inspirational leadership, describing his impact as a coach as nothing short of “creating tremors” in South African cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin heaps praises on Sourav Ganguly’s leadership

Ashwin’s message was more than a routine congratulatory note. It reflected deep admiration for Ganguly’s evolution as a leader across eras and roles. Referencing a well-known remark from Ganguly about his autobiography “creating tremors,” Ashwin cleverly linked the quote to the former skipper’s present-day success in the SA20.

According to Ashwin, the same qualities that once reshaped Indian cricket are now visible in Ganguly’s coaching stint abroad. He highlighted how Ganguly’s leadership, long regarded as transformational for the Indian national side, is now extending its influence beyond borders, helping take Indian coaching philosophies to the global stage.

“He once said ‘When I write my autobiography, it will create tremors’ For now he is creating tremors in South Africa with his @PretoriaCapsSA team. His leadership as always been inspirational and this one as a coach is no different.@SGanguly99,” wrote Ashwin on X.

From administrator to hands-on coach

After serving as President of the BCCIGanguly’s decision to return to the dugout came as a surprise to many. Rather than continuing solely in administrative or advisory roles, he chose to immerse himself directly in team-building as Pretoria Capitals’ head coach for the 2026 season.

The move initially raised questions, but results have quickly silenced any doubts. Despite a challenging start early in the tournament, Ganguly’s calm authority and sharp cricketing instincts helped the Capitals find momentum at the right time. Their campaign peaked with a commanding seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Qualifier 1, sealing a direct entry into the final.

Pretoria Capitals transformed under the leadership of Ganguly

Under Ganguly’s stewardship, alongside assistant coach Shaun Pollockthe Capitals have emerged as one of the most tactically astute sides in the competition. Observers have pointed out several defining aspects of their resurgence.

The team has adapted smartly to slow surfaces, using conditions to their advantage rather than forcing an aggressive template. Young players have flourished in the environment, with confidence and clarity in roles becoming a hallmark of the Capitals’ approach. The squad’s composure in crunch moments has also drawn praise, echoing the trademark belief Ganguly instilled in his teams during his playing days.

With the SA20 final scheduled for Sunday, January 25, Pretoria Capitals head into the title clash brimming with confidence. Ganguly’s return to frontline coaching has already been vindicated, regardless of the final outcome.

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