SA20 2025–26: Pretoria Capitals Name New Captain Just Days Before Season Kick-Off
Pretoria Capitals name Keshav Maharaj captain as Ganguly and Pollock join staff and Brevis signs for record SA20 fee.
Pretoria Capitals have picked South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj as their new captain for the SA20 2025-26 season. He replaces Rilee Rossouw, who has moved to Joburg Super Kings.
The decision comes at a time when the franchise is trying to shake off two difficult seasons. Capitals finished fifth in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, a sharp slide after topping the league table and ending runners-up in the first-ever SA20.
Maharaj joins the team for R1.7 million. He brings years of international experience and has led in the league before with Durban Super Giants. He is also one of the most reliable spinners in the tournament, with 27 wickets in 33 matches.
The team has made major changes off the field too. Sourav Ganguly is the new head coach and Shaun Pollock will work as his assistant. They replace Jonathan Trott as the franchise looks for a fresh approach.
Capitals came into the auction with the biggest purse of R32.5 million and 16 slots to fill. They made a bold move by signing Dewald Brevis for R16.5 million, the highest deal in SA20 history. The management also added Connor Esterhuizen, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Bryce Parsons, Saqib Mahmood and Craig Overton.
Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford have been retained while Andre Russell joins as a wild card pick. The full squad blends young local players with strong overseas names, giving Maharaj a well-rounded group to lead.
The franchise said in its announcement, “All hail the Maharaj. Keshav Maharaj takes over the reins as Captain for the upcoming edition of SA20 League. Trust the craft. Trust the calm. Trust the captain.”
With a new captain, a new coaching team and an aggressive auction strategy, Pretoria Capitals are clearly pushing for a strong comeback in SA20 2025-26.
