Everything You Need to Know About Pretoria Capitals’ New SA20 Season
Pretoria Capitals have made several key changes ahead of the new SA20 season, starting with a new captain.
The franchise announced Keshav Maharaj as captain on Friday, December 12. He replaces Rilee Rossouw, who was released ahead of the auction. Maharaj led Durban Super Giants last season and now takes charge of Pretoria Capitals for the upcoming campaign.
Among spinners, Maharaj is the second-highest wicket-taker in SA20 history, with 27 wickets in 33 matches for the Super Giants. Pretoria Capitals secured his services for R1.7 million at the auction in September 2025.
Pretoria Capitals‘ New Coaching Staff
The Capitals have also reshuffled their support staff. Sourav Ganguly has come in as head coach, replacing Jonathan Trott. Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock joins as assistant coach.
Ganguly brings vast coaching and leadership experience, having worked with Delhi Capitals for several years in the IPL.
Big Spending at the SA20 Auction
Pretoria Capitals entered the SA20 auction with the biggest purse of R32.5 million (approximately US$1.85 million). They made a statement by spending R16.5 million (around US$945,000) on South Africa’s most exciting young batter, Dewald Brevis. Brevis was most recently seen in South Africa’s T20I series against India in December.
Nicknamed ‘Baby AB’ after his stroke-playing similarity with the great AB de Villiers, the 22-year-old sensation is their most expensive signing.
Other notable buys included:
- Connor Esterhuizen – R3.2 million (Keeper-batter)
- Lizaad Williams – R2.4 million (Bowler)
- Lungi Ngidi – R2.3 million (Bowler)
- Bryce Parsons – R1.9 million (Allrounder)
Sherfane Rutherford and Will Jacks were pre-signed ahead of the auction. Meanwhile, Andre Russell was picked as a wildcard player. Russell retired from IPL as a player ahead of the 2026 auction and has joined Kolkata Knight Riders as their power coach.
Late Squad Changes Before the Season
In late October, West Indies keeper-batter Shai Hope replaced Will Jacks in the squad. Hope is no stranger to the Capitals set-up, having represented the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Jacks withdrew after receiving a surprise call-up for England’s Ashes squad.
Saqib Mahmood was ruled out of the upcoming SA20 season in November 2025. England batter Jordan Cox was announced as his replacement. Cox will join Pretoria after his stint with Dubai Capitals in the International League T20, which runs until 4 January.
On December 18, Craig Overton was also ruled out of the season. Pretoria Capitals named Tymal Mills as his replacement.
Earlier, Lungi Ngidi was also picked by Delhi Capitals on December 16, marking his return to the IPL franchise alongside his SA20 stint. He will play for both the Capitals franchises.
Pretoria Capitals’ SA20 Record So Far
Pretoria Capitals have had mixed results in SA20 history. They topped the table in the inaugural season before losing the final to Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
However, the next two seasons proved challenging. The Capitals finished fifth in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, missing out on playoff qualification on both occasions. They have now formed a strong squad for the upcoming new SA20 season.
The SA20 2025-26 season begins on December 26, 2025 with MI Cape Town vs Durban Super Giants. Cape Town will host this season’s Final on January 25, 2026. Pretoria Capitals start their campaign on December 27 against Joburg Super Kings.
Pretoria Capitals Squad for SA20 2025-26
Wild Card:
Andre Russell
Pre-signings:
Shai Hope (Will Jacks replacement), Sherfane Rutherford
Auction Picks:
Keshav Maharaj (R1.7 million) –> Captain
Lungi Ngidi (R2.3 million)
Dewald Brevis (R16.5 million)
Lizaad Williams (R2.4 million)
Craig Overton (R1 million) –> Tymal Mills
Saqib Mahmood (R1.5 million) –> Jordan Cox
Connor Esterhuizen (R3.2 million)
Bryce Parsons (R1.9 million)
Codi Yusuf (R225,000)
Gideon Peters (R400,000)
Junaid Dawood (R200,000)
Will Smeed (R200,000)
Meeka-eel Prince (R200,000)
Bayanda Majola (R200,000)
Wihan Lubbe (R200,000)
Sibonelo Makhanya (R200,000)