Sourav Ganguly’s South Africa story added another bittersweet chapter in the fourth season of the SA20. Two decades after his India side fell agonisingly short in Johannesburg during the 2003 World Cup final, Ganguly again experienced the thin line between glory and heartbreak — this time as head coach of the Pretoria Capitals, who reached the SA20 final only to lose to Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Newlands, Cape Town.

The Capitals’ path to the finale was anything but straightforward. After a rocky start — just one win from their first five matches — the team found momentum with a mid-season purple patch. A hat-trick of wins followed, and steady performances thereafter pushed them into the playoffs.

That resilience spoke volumes about the culture Ganguly and captain Keshav Maharaj helped build: a squad that could recover, recalibrate and peak when it mattered most. Yet, in the ultimate game, a batting collapse handed the initiative to Sunrisers, who finished the job in the final over to claim their third SA20 title in four seasons.

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Losses hurt, but the broader picture is positive. Ganguly’s influence revitalised a franchise that had endured two lacklustre seasons. SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith was fulsome in his praise, underlining both Ganguly’s recruitment acumen and his impact on team culture.

“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,” Graeme Smith told media, adding that the Capitals’ turnaround was “a big one for them.” Smith even hinted that Ganguly’s return next year would be welcome.

SA20’s growing Indian connection is notable. Last season saw Dinesh Karthik make a strong impression for Paarl Royals; this year, Ganguly’s presence brought further attention and credibility. That crossover is valuable for the league but has to navigate BCCI restrictions on Indian players’ overseas participation. Still, Smith emphasised that the SA20 maintains an “open dialogue” with the BCCI and has seen a steady, if cautious, Indian footprint across four seasons.

For Ganguly, the narrative remains unfinished. The coach who inspired pride in India and led teams with fierce competitiveness now chases a different prize: a franchise title in South Africa.

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Graeme Smith’s comments captured the sentiment best: “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… 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.”

That’s the clearest takeaway — Pretoria Capitals, under Ganguly’s stewardship, are back in contention. The sting of defeat will linger, but the structure, leadership and renewed intent he brought to the franchise suggest this won’t be the last time Ganguly walks into a South African final. Next season may well be the one where the script finally favours him.