SA20 2025-26: Keshav Maharaj named captain of Pretoria Capitals

Ahead of the SA20 2025-26 season, the Pretoria Capitals have appointed South African spinner Keshav Maharaj as their new captain. The announcement witnesses a shift in leadership for the franchise as Maharaj replaces Rilee Rossouw, who has moved to Joburg Super Kings. With a revamped squad, new support staff, and strong acquisitions made at the September auction, the Capitals are now entering the season with a new skipper.

After topping the group stage in the inaugural edition but finishing runners-up, they failed to maintain their momentum in the next two seasons, ending fifth in both 2023-24 and 2024-25. This led to the release of Rossouw, restructuring the coaching staff, and making notable decisions at the auction.

Maharaj, who was previously captain of the Durban Super Giants, came up as a strong choice for the Capitals due to his international experience and leadership qualities. The left-arm spinner was purchased by the Capitals for R1.7 million at the auction. The franchise praised his abilities and stated that his strong presence in South Africa’s national setup will eventually help the Capitals in SA20. Among spinners, Maharaj is the second-highest wicket-taker in SA20 history, with 27 wickets in 33 matches.

The Capitals have also overhauled their coaching staff. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been appointed head coach, replacing Jonathan Trott. He will be assisted by former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock. At the auction, Pretoria Capitals entered with the biggest purse of R32.5 million and 16 vacant slots. They made headlines by breaking the SA20 salary record, signing big-hitting Dewald Brevis for R16.5 million.

Other major additions include Connor Esterhuizen (R3.2 million), Lizaad Williams (R2.4 million), Lungi Ngidi (R2.3 million), Bryce Parsons (R1.9 million), Saqib Mahmood (R1.5 million), and Craig Overton (R1 million). The team also retained Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford ahead of the auction, while Andre Russell was brought in as a wild-card player.

Pretoria Capitals’ full squad for SA20 2025-26

Andre Russell, Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, Keshav Maharaj (C), Lungi Ngidi, Dewald Brevis, Lizaad Williams, Craig Overton, Saqib Mahmood, Codi Yusuf, Connor Esterhuizen, Bryce Parsons, Gideon Peters, Junaid Dawood, Will Smeed, Meeka-eel Prince, Bayanda Majola, Wihan Lubbe, Sibonelo Makhanya.