Prior to the SA20 2025-26 season, the Pretoria Capitals have named South African spinner Keshav Maharaj as their new captain. The announcement marks a change in leadership for the franchise, as Maharaj succeeds Rilee Rossouw, who has moved to the Johannesburg Super Kings. The Capitals are starting the season with a new captain, a restructured roster, new support staff, and good additions from the September auction.
After winning the group stage in the first edition but finishing second, they struggled to continue their momentum in the next two seasons, finishing fifth in both 2023-24 and 2024-25. This resulted in Rossouw’s release, a rearrangement of the coaching staff, and some important auction decisions.
Keshav Maharaj, who formerly captained the Durban Super Giants, was a top option for the Capitals because of his international experience and leadership abilities.
The Capitals bought the left-arm spinner at auction for R1.7 million. The organisation lauded his qualities and noted that his strong status in South Africa’s national team will eventually benefit the Capitals in the SA20. Maharaj is the second-highest wicket-taker in SA20 history, with 27 from 33 appearances.
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.
India
