Keshav Maharaj Appointed Captain of Pretoria Capitals for SA20 2025

Pretoria Capitals have made a major change ahead of the 2025 SA20 season, with Keshav Maharaj being appointed as their new captain. Maharaj, who previously captained the Durban Super Giants, replaces Rilee Rossouw in the leadership role for Pretoria.

In a statement released on Friday, Pretoria Capitals praised Maharaj’s leadership qualities, noting his vast international experience across all formats. "Maharaj brings a wealth of international pedigree across formats, along with a proven track record of guiding teams with composure, clarity, and intent," the franchise said. 

“Having captained South Africa in white-ball cricket and served as a senior figure within the national setup for several years, Maharaj's leadership experience, tactical understanding, and consistency make him an invaluable addition in this role. His presence strengthens the balance and direction of the Pretoria Capitals squad as the team heads into the new season."

A Revamped Setup for Pretoria Capitals

There was a significant transformation of the Capitals this season. New players and new leadership came in. Sourav Ganguly, a former India captain, is the new coach who replaces Jonathan Trott. He will have Shaun Pollock, a former South Africa captain, as his assistant on the coaching team.  

Pretoria Capitals splashed the most during the September auction. They paid 32.5 million Rand (about 1.85 million US dollars) and had to fill 16 squad positions. One of the acquisitions that made them well known involved the purchase of the rising star Dewald Brevis at a record 16.5m Rand ($945,000).  

Another high-profile acquisition was Maharaj. He becomes a part of a revamped squad featuring Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, Craig Overton, Saqib Mahmood, and Codi Yusuf. Andre Russell, a wild card who has just retired and now serves as the power coach with Kolkata Knight Riders, was added to the team in a surprising twist. Before the auction, Pretoria had already signed Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford.

Pretoria Capitals’ SA20 Journey So Far

The SA20 journey of the Pretoria Capitals was a rollercoaster. They won the group stage in the first season but lost to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the final. Their form declined in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, as they placed fifth in both seasons and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

In 2025- 26, the Capitals have a new coach and a new squad, which will allow them to reverse the situation and get to the final. The SA20 season begins on December 26 and will begin with MI Cape Town versus Durban Super Giants.

The Capitals begin their campaign the following day after that with the Joburg Super Kings. The last game of the season is scheduled for January 25, 2026.