In a significant decision ahead of the SA20 2025-26 season, Durban Super Giants have announced their new captain. The team has appointed South Africa's star all-rounder Aiden Markram as captain.
Sports News: Big news has emerged from South Africa. SA20 league team Durban Super Giants has appointed a new captain. The team has announced Aiden Markram as captain for the 2025-26 season. Durban Super Giants shared this information via a video on social media.
Notably, the franchise presented this through an AI video, depicting Markram as the captain of a ship navigating through stormy seas to reach its destination.
New Direction for the Team Under Markram's Captaincy
Many experts had already considered Markram's appointment as captain as a likely outcome. There was immense enthusiasm surrounding Markram at the SA20 auction. While captaining Sunrisers Eastern Cape, he led the team to the SA20 title twice consecutively (2023 and 2024). Furthermore, he is also the captain of South Africa's T20 International team.
This is why Durban Super Giants have placed their trust in him and handed him the team's reins. The team had previously appointed Keshav Maharaj as captain, but for the new season, a leadership change has been made, with Markram being given this significant responsibility.
Several franchises had set their sights on Aiden Markram during the SA20 auction held this month. Ultimately, Durban Super Giants acquired him for a record price of 14 million rand, which was the highest bid in SA20 history. However, in the same auction, Pretoria Capitals set a new record by purchasing Dewald Brevis for 16.5 million rand. Markram's inclusion in the team is considered highly beneficial for the team, not just in terms of leadership but also for his game experience and strategy.
Major Changes in the Team
Apart from Markram, the team has also included several key players to aim for their first SA20 title. The prominent players included are:
- Gerald Coetzee – Fast bowler, bought for 7.4 million rand.
- Kwena Maphaka – Young pacer, signed for 2.3 million rand.
- Taijul Islam – Bangladeshi spinner, the first player from his country to play in SA20.
Talented local players such as Ethan Bosch, Andile Simelane, and Marcus Ackerman. An effort has been made to create a balanced team with these players, aiming for strength in fast bowling, spin attack, and the middle order.
