The SA 2025 is set to commence soon in January 2025. Before that, the retention process for the upcoming tournament is going on. Last year, champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape lifted up the title. Before that, they had already retained their core squad from their previous season who helped them to be the champion for the second time.
Aiden Markram Will be the Leader Again:
Aiden Markram will lead the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in their quest for a historic third consecutive SA20 championship title. He is a key figure among the retained players for the 2025 season. Markram has demonstrated excellent leadership and tactical skills, guiding his team effectively through high-pressure moments.
In addition to his leadership, Markram has been a major contributor with the bat. He has scored 627 runs in 21 innings with an average of 33 and a strike rate of 132. He was the fourth-highest run-scorer in SA20 history. His consistent performances have been crucial for his team’s success.
Markram’s experience in SA20 has also benefited his international career. He recently became the first South African captain to lead the Proteas to a World Cup final at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This achievement highlights his growth and impact both in domestic and international cricket.
Shaping the All-Round Side:
All-rounder Tristan Stubbs has proven his value after the Sunrisers Eastern Cape paid a record auction fee. He ended the 2023-24 season as the team’s top run-scorer with 301 runs. His average was 60.20 and a strike rate of 168.15. Stubbs has also been retained for the next season due to his impressive performance.
Tom Abell has been retained for the upcoming season. He will be joined by young talent Jordan Hermann, who scored a notable maiden T20 century at Newlands last season. Their performances have earned them spots for the next season.
All-rounder Patrick Kruger, who made his Proteas T20I debut in the West Indies thanks to his strong performances with the Sunrisers, has also been retained. He will continue alongside Beyers Swanepoel, who has also been kept on for the next season.
Concentrating Over the Bowling Strength:
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have retained key bowlers for the upcoming season, including Ottniel Baartman, named SA20 Bowler of the 2023-24 season. Baartman leads the competition’s all-time wicket-taker list with 30 wickets at an average of 13.83.
The team will also keep their spin trio of Simon Harmer, Liam Dawson, and young Caleb Seleka for the 2025 season. Additionally, last season’s Rookie, Andile Simelane, has been added to the squad, further strengthening their lineup.
The New Signings:
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape confirmed their player retentions before the July 31 deadline. They have already signed four new players: Roelof van der Merwe will return, while English players Zak Crawley and Craig Overton join the team, along with Proteas batter David Bedingham as their Wildcard pick. The team has until August 15 to finalize any additional overseas signings.
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