SA20 Season 5 sees Marsh join Sunrisers, Salt return to Capitals
The six teams participating in SA20 Season 5 have announced their retained and pre-signed players. The upcoming season, set to commence on January 17 next year, will feature several international cricketers, including Mitchell Marsh, Joe Root, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt. The remaining squad positions will be finalised during the Player Auction scheduled for October 7. Most teams have maintained the core of their squads and retained South Africa’s top talent, leaving 19 available slots for the auction.
Mitchell Marsh, the Australia T20I captain and a T20 World Cup winner, is set to make his debut in the league. The Australian all-rounder, who has played 88 T20Is, will represent the three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape. He will be joined by South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock. Marsh is expected to play in the season opener at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, where the Sunrisers will face Pretoria Capitals. His compatriot, Matthew Short, is anticipated to be his opponent in this initial match.
Phil Salt, an explosive opener from England, is returning to the Capitals after playing in the first two seasons. Since then, he has enhanced his striking abilities, moving up to No. 4 in the ICC T20I batting rankings. Sherfane Rutherford, a power-hitter from Season 4, is also returning this season, rejoining Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi, who was recently named the Proteas T20I Player of the Year. Salt and Short currently open together for Welsh Fire in The Hundred, and their reunion is expected to boost the Capitals’ top order, which also includes Andre Russell and Connor Esterhuizen.
Squad finalisation and player movements
Durban’s Super Giants and Paarl Royals have completed their full 19-player squad rosters before the upcoming Player Auction. Joe Root, England’s newly appointed Test captain, is returning for his second stint with the Royals. He will play alongside Ottneil Baartman, the 2025 Bowler of the Season, and Proteas David Miller and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
Sam Curran, an England all-rounder, will feature for DSG and is expected to lead their bowling attack at Kingsmead. Curran previously played the first two seasons in Cape Town. He will now be based in Durban, alongside Proteas captain Aiden Markram, former England captain Jos Buttler, West Indies spinner Sunil Narine, and Heinrich Klaasen.
Another English all-rounder, Will Jacks, has been pre-signed by MI Cape Town. Jacks had strong performances for Pretoria Capitals in the first three seasons, and fans at Newlands will be hoping he maintains his form. He is also part of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and the MI London setup in The Hundred.
Jason Holder, an MLC-winning captain, will join the Joburg Super Kings, who are seeking a new captain after the departure of Faf du Plessis. Other notable releases include England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow, who previously formed an opening partnership with Quinton de Kock for the Sunrisers. MI Cape Town has also released long-serving players Trent Boult, Rassie van der Dussen, and Kieron Pollard. Additionally, Wiaan Mulder and Nandre Burger, who were marquee signings for the Super Kings, will enter the auction pool.
League Commissioner’s outlook
Graeme Smith, the SA20 League Commissioner, stated that Season 5 is shaping up to be the strongest yet. He highlighted that bringing in players of the calibre of Mitchell Marsh, Joe Root, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt demonstrates the league’s growing appeal on the global stage. Smith also expressed excitement about seeing these international talents alongside South Africa’s top international and domestic players.
Smith further noted that most franchises are heading into the auction with the majority of their squads already secured, which indicates the stability and consistency established within the league. This setup is expected to contribute to a highly competitive Season 5. The Super Kings and MI Cape Town are anticipated to be the busiest teams at the auction, needing to sign seven and six players respectively, while the Capitals have five vacant slots to fill. All six teams have filled their overseas pre-signing slots, and the Super Kings will be eligible for a wildcard pick.
The SA20 Season 5 will begin on January 17 at St George’s Park, with the Sunrisers playing against the Capitals. The competition’s final match is scheduled for February 21 at Newlands.
Source: newindianexpress.com
