The 2025/26 edition of the SA20 League is just over a month away, and anticipation is building as Joburg Super Kings prepare for another shot at glory. The yellow brigade, sister franchise of Chennai Super Kings, will be eager to go one step further this season after falling short in the playoffs last time around. Despite a promising campaign in the 2024/25 season, the Super Kings bowed out in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Eastern Cape — a defeat they’ll be determined to avenge in their quest for their first-ever SA20 title.
During a recent promotional event in India, franchise captain Faf du Plessis shared his thoughts on both the upcoming SA20 season and South Africa’s upcoming Test series against India.
Faf du Plessis Praises Jasprit Bumrah as the Toughest Bowler
While interacting with the media, du Plessis was full of admiration for India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the toughest bowler in world cricket to face. The former South Africa skipper, known for his wit, also added a humorous remark about not wanting to face Bumrah in the SA20.
“Bumrah is the toughest bowler in the world to face. Hope we don’t see him in SA20,” said du Plessis, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
The comment, though lighthearted, underlines Bumrah’s reputation as one of the most feared bowlers in international cricket.
South Africa’s Challenge in India: ‘Start Strong or Struggle’
Du Plessis also shared his insights on South Africa’s prospects ahead of their two-Test series in India, set to begin in a few days. The 41-year-old veteran stressed the importance of starting the series well to gain confidence and momentum in the subcontinent’s challenging conditions.
“Look, it’s a tough place to come and play cricket. Your best chance at success here (in India) is when you start the series well,” du Plessis said.
He emphasized that the batting unit’s early form would be crucial to avoid falling behind mentally and technically in the series.
“As a batting unit, you need to get some runs early to build confidence. Once you’ve got runs under your belt, everything feels easier. If you start under pressure and lose the first Test, that feeling of a hard tour sets in.”
With the first Test scheduled in Kolkata, du Plessis believes it could define South Africa’s fate in the series.
“That first Test will be a big stepping stone. It’ll decide whether we do well or struggle.”
As fans await the start of the SA20 and South Africa’s Test campaign, all eyes will be on du Plessis — both as a leader and as a seasoned voice guiding his teams through two major challenges.
