Keshav Maharaj has been handed a major leadership role in South African franchise cricket. The left-arm spinner will captain Pretoria Capitals in SA20 Season 4, taking charge of a squad that has gone through a big reset on and off the field.

Maharaj takes over as Pretoria Capitals captain

Pretoria Capitals have announced Keshav Maharaj as their new captain for SA20 Season 4, replacing Rilee Rossouw at the helm. Maharaj already has solid leadership experience, having captained Durban’s Super Giants in the previous SA20 edition and also led South Africa in white-ball cricket. The franchise described him as one of the country’s most respected leaders, praising his calm captaincy style, tactical awareness, and consistency.

His appointment is aimed at giving the Capitals more control and clarity on the field, especially in key moments. As a senior figure in the national setup for several years, Maharaj is expected to guide a relatively fresh group, balance the attack, and set high standards in both discipline and game awareness.

Big coaching names: Ganguly and Pollock join

Pretoria Capitals will also start the new season with a completely revamped coaching group. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been appointed head coach, bringing his strong tactical mind and aggressive, no‑nonsense cricketing philosophy. He will be assisted by former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock, one of the modern game’s most respected fast-bowling all-rounders and leaders.

This combination of Ganguly’s strategic approach and Pollock’s bowling expertise gives Capitals a high‑profile think tank in the dugout. With Maharaj as captain on the field, the trio forms a powerful leadership spine that the franchise hopes will change their fortunes after two disappointing campaigns.

Auction splash: Brevis headline buy and key additions

At the September SA20 auction, Pretoria Capitals were the most active franchise. They went in with the biggest purse of 32.5 million rand and 16 slots to fill, signalling a major rebuild. The standout move was breaking the SA20 salary record to sign Dewald Brevis for 16.5 million rand. The young batter, known for his fearless strokeplay, is expected to be a central figure in their batting lineup.

Along with Brevis, Capitals added several important names to strengthen both pace and spin:

• Lungi Ngidi – experienced South Africa fast bowler

• Lizaad Williams – seam bowler who offers control and variation

• Craig Overton – English seamer and handy lower-order bat

• Saqib Mahmood – English quick with good new‑ball and death skills

• Codi Yusuf – local fast bowler option

They also secured Keshav Maharaj’s services at the auction before handing him the captaincy.

Andre Russell as “power coach” and retained stars

One of the most interesting moves was the wildcard signing of Andre Russell. Having recently stepped away from the IPL as a player and moved into a power-hitting coaching role with Kolkata Knight Riders, Russell joins Capitals in a similar capacity. His job will be to work with the batters on power game, finishing skills, and mindset under pressure rather than as a frontline player.

Pretoria Capitals also retained key names like Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford before the auction. Jacks offers explosive batting at the top and useful off-spin, while Rutherford is a proven finisher who can clear the ropes with ease. Together with Brevis and Russell’s guidance, this core gives Capitals serious firepower in the middle and lower order.

Mixed past, fresh hope for Season 4

Pretoria Capitals have had an up-and-down journey in SA20 so far. In the inaugural season, they topped the league stage but lost the final to Sunrisers Eastern Cape. However, in the next two seasons they slipped to fifth place and missed the playoffs both times. Those results clearly pushed the franchise towards a strong reset in leadership, coaching, and squad balance.

SA20 Season 4 begins on December 26, with MI Cape Town facing Durban’s Super Giants in the opener. Pretoria Capitals start their campaign on December 27 against Joburg Super Kings. The final is scheduled for January 25, 2026. With Maharaj as captain, Ganguly and Pollock in the dugout, and fresh stars like Dewald Brevis in the ranks, Capitals will be aiming to move from underachievers to genuine title contenders.