MAHARAJ'S ASTUTE T20 LEADERSHIP SET TO COME TO THE FORE AGAIN

Keshav Maharaj will get another opportunity to lead a team to a T20 title after being confirmed as the Dolphins' captain for the upcoming CSA T20 Challenge.

Maharaj, the number one ranked ICC ODI bowler, will have a dozen Betway SA20 players at his disposal when for the domestic 20-over competition.

Much like Maharaj's Durban's Super Giants in the recent SA20, the Dolphins reached last year’s CSA T20 Challenge Final, but couldn't get their hands on the trophy.

Dolphins coach, Imraan Khan believes Maharaj's leadership and know-how will be a crucial 'difference-maker' this time around.

 "To have a player like Keshav leading us is massive and the players understand his value as a leader," Khan said in a Dolphins press release confirming their CSA T20 Challenge squad.

 "He's proven that he is one of the best spinners in white ball cricket and continues to produce performances regularly which is a big bonus for us.

 "He will have a number of vastly experienced T20 players around him and we are looking forward to the competition starting next week."

Joining Maharaj in the Dolphins squad apart from fellow DSG players Jon-Jon Smuts, Bryce Parsons and Jason Smith, are Proteas allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo and SA20 Bowler of the Tournament Ottniel Baartman.

"We have got some strong depth in our squad and ultimately that's what you always want," Khan said.

"There are a lot of players who played regularly in the SA20, and also players that were around the various franchises picking up experience. Those guys will be eager to showcase what they learnt during the tournament.

"A T20 competition always excites the players and excites the fans so we are looking forward to making the most of the last competition of the season," Khan added.

Two SA20 Rookies form part of the Dolphins 19-strong squad in allrounders Parsons (DSG) and Andile Simelane (Sunrisers Eastern Cape) while former SA20 Rising Star of the Season Eathan Bosch (Pretoria Capitals) will spearhead their attack alongside Baartman (Sunrisers). Further experience will be provided by Sarel Erwee (Sunrisers), Grant Roelofsen (MI Cape Town), Prenelan Subrayen (DSG) and Daryn Dupavillon (Capitals).

FULL DOLPHINS SQUAD

Keshav Maharaj (Durban's Super Giants - captain), Marques Ackerman, Ottniel Baartman (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Eathan Bosch (Pretoria Capitals), Okuhle Cele, Tshepang Dithole, Daryn Dupavillon (Pretoria Capitals), Sarel Erwee (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Tristan Luus, Odirile Modimokoane, Bryce Parsons (Durban's Super Giants), Andile Phehlukwayo (Paarl Royals), Brad Porteous, Grant Roelofsen (MI Cape Town), Andile Simelane (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Jason Smith (Durban's Super Giants), Jon-Jon Smuts (Durban's Super Giants), Prenelan Subrayen (Durban's Super Giants), Khaya Zondo.

Dolphins' CSA T20 Challenge squad contains 12 Betway SA20 Season 2 players.