Durban Super Giants SWOT analysis: Can Aiden Markram lead his new team to glory?

Aiden Markram for DSG. [Source - SA20/x]

SA20 makes a cracking return for its 4th edition, and Durban Super Giants begin their campaign against defending champions MI Cape Town on Friday, December 26, at Newlands, Cape Town.

With Aiden Markram taking over as the new skipper and several exciting new recruitments added to the squad, Durban Super Giants look refreshed. After a bottom-place finish last season, the focus is on whether this revamped unit can deliver the maiden title.

Let’s dive deeper into Durban Super Giants squad with a sharper focus on their strengths, weaknesses and more.

Durban Super Giants squad for SA20 2025-26

Aiden Markram, Noor Ahmad, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Eathan Bosch, Jos Buttler, Gerald Coetzee, Devon Conway, Tony de Zorzi, Daryn Dupavillon, Dayyaan Galiem, Evan Jones, Heinrich Klaasen, Kwena Maphaka, Sunil Narine, Simon Harmer, Andile Simelane, Gysbert Wege, David Wiese, and Kane Williamson.

Strengths of Durban Super Giants in SA20 2025-26

1. Batting heavyweights

Durban Super Giants’ batting features big-names across all phases with heavy top order, powerful middle, explosive all-round finishers, and reliable backups, ensuring depth and adaptability in every match situation.

• At the top: Jos Buttler, Devon Conway, captain Aiden Markram and Kane Williamson, who makes his return, provide multiple high-class options, offering flexibility against pace and spin.
• Middle order: Heinrich Klaasen leads the charge with power, supported by David Bedingham and Tony de Zorzi to maintain tempo and stability.
• Finishing depth: David Wiese adds experience, Sunil Narine can float anywhere in the order, while Eathan Bosch provides late-innings firepower.
• Backup strength: Marques Ackerman offers middle-order cover, with Gysbert Wege adding dynamic, aggressive batting depth.

2. Varied bowling attack with wicket-taking options

DSG has a balanced attack combining pace, seam and spin offers wicket-taking threat across all phases.

• Spin threat: Noor Ahmad’s 13 wickets at an average of 17.5 last season underline his impact, complemented by the control and experience of proven T20 veteran Sunil Narine.
• Pace firepower: Young fast-bowling sensations Gerald Coetzee and left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka bring pace, aggression and wicket-taking intent across phases.
• All-round balance: Seam-bowling all-rounders Eathan Bosch and David Wiese add more depth and reliable options for both run control and breakthroughs.

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Weaknesses of Durban's Super Giants in SA20 2025-26

1. Batting firepower falls short

Durban’s batting boasts big names, but beyond a couple of key players, even international stars often struggle to deliver firepower, posting low strike rates and limited impact.

• Reliance on Buttler: Only he scored at a high-strike rate (143+) in his latest SA20 season.
• Big names underperforming: Markram, Williamson, and Conway posted modest strike rates in SA20 2025. 

Table - Last season's batting strike-rates of the possible first choice batters of DSG.

2. Death-over bowling

Despite possessing wicket-taking options, Durban Super Giants might struggle to contain runs in the final overs. The absence of specialist death bowlers makes them vulnerable during crucial stages, allowing opposition teams to capitalize towards the end.

Table - DSG pacers' SA20 economy rates in death overs.

Opportunities

1. Rise of Gysbert Wege

Gysbert Wege, picked as an U23 player by Durban Super Giants, is a dynamic right-handed batter with power to clear boundaries against both pace and spin. At this level, he faces challenges but has a chance to shine and announce himself globally. 

2. Leadership advantage with Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram, who has been appointed as the new captain, brings proven leadership to Durban Super Giants, having guided Sunrisers Eastern Cape to consecutive SA20 titles and all finals in the competition so far. DSG can leverage his tactical trait and experience to maximize team performance and aim for the title.

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Threats

1. Heinrich Klaasen’s worrisome form

Heinrich Klaasen was not at his best in IPL 2025 but still managed nearly 500 runs in the competition. However, since June 2025, his T20 form has gone down horribly, averaging just 16.2, raising serious concerns for Durban’s Super Giants if he continues like this.

Table - Heinrich Klaasen in T20s post IPL 2025

Durban Super Giants probable XI for SA20 2025-26

Jos Buttler, Devon Conway, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, David Wiese, Eathan Bosch, Sunil Narine, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, and Noor Ahmad.

Expected finish: Should qualify for playoffs.

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SA20 schedule

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