MSL 2018: All you need to know about Jozi Stars - Squad, Strengths, Weaknesses and more 

Cricket has seen a lot of transformation in the past few years: right from the change in formats to the technological advancements. So much so that, T20 leagues have now become a regular affair in these days.

More importantly, after getting a green signal from their respective cricket boards, these T20 leagues have become a platform for various nations to scout for exciting talents.

In short, the T20 leagues have successfully aided its countries' boards as a talent acquisition entity which eventually unearths some talented players who in future are expected to serve these boards at the international level.

After the successful completion of Afghanistan Premier League, we are all set to witness yet another exciting T20 league in the name of MSL 2018 - Mzansi Super League 2018. The league is scheduled to start from 16 November 2018 with its final slated for 16 December 2018. In this course of one month, a total of 32 matches will take place among the six teams taking part in the league. The six teams taking part in MSL 2018 are Cape Town Blitz, Durban Heat, Jozi Stars, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, Paarl Rocks, and Tshwane Spartans.

Qualification criteria in MSL 2018

The MSL 2018 will also have a unique qualification criterion where the top-ranked team will advance to the finals. Meanwhile, the second-ranked and the third-ranked team will contest in an Eliminator. Consequently, the winner of the Eliminator will come up against the top-ranked team for the finals.

Thus, with MSL 2018 not so far away from its start, let us look at the all we need to know about one of the teams taking part in this league. So, in this edition of 'All you need to know about,' we will be having a detailed look at the complete picture of Jozi Stars which is a Johannesburg based franchise. The article would cover everything right from the squad to the strengths and weaknesses.

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#1 Jozi Stars: Squad, Home Ground, and Owner

Chris Gayle's presence will be the biggest plus for Jozi Stars

Jozi Stars are yet to announce their captain for the whole of MSL 2018. However, Kagiso Rabada seems the most legit choice. Stars have already released their squad for the coming edition of MSL 2018. Some of the famous names include Chris Gayle, Kagiso Rabada, Daniel Christian, and Reeza Hendricks.

Jozi Stars' Squad for MSL 2018: Kagiso Rabada, Chris Gayle, Dane Vilas (Kolpak), Rassie van der Dussen, Daniel Christian, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Eddie Leie, Pite van Biljon, Duanne Olivier, Ryan Rickelton, Sinethemba Qeshile, Simon Harmer (Kolpak), Calvin Savage, and Alfred Mothoa.

Home Ground: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Owner: CSA (Cricket South Africa).

Proteas Marquee Player: Kagiso Rabada.

International Marquee Player: Chris Gayle (West Indies).

#2 Players to watch out for in MSL 2018

Dane Vilas will be one of the players to watch out for in MSL 2018

Jozi Stars have some exciting talents in their camp. Apart from the famous names, Stars possess some decent combination of young guns who are expected to make big in Mzansi Super League 2018. So, let us look at the players to watch out for from the Jozi Stars' squad in the upcoming MSL 2018.

Chris Gayle

The Universe Boss has been a regular name in the name of T20 cricket. Gayle has now become the most sought-after player when it comes to T20s. So much so that, he been a member of many T20 leagues across the globe. On the same lines, once again, Chris Gayle is set to be a part of MSL 2018 for Jozi Stars. Thus, the powerful left-handed batsman will be one of the players to watch out for in the MSL 2018.

Kagiso Rabada

The right-arm fast bowler will be the Proteas marquee player for Jozi Stars in MSL 2018. Rabada has been on an exponential curve in the recent things of cricket. Moreover, Rabada will have a responsible task up his sleeve while guiding Jozi Stars in the MSL 2018. Thus, Kagiso Rabada will be the one to look out for in the upcoming MSL 2018 as in how he fares as for Jozi Stars both as a bowler and as a leader.

Dane Vilas

Dane Vilas, a right-handed wicket-keeper batsman, has been the most expensive player for Jozi Stars in MSL 2018. With exceptional batting skills up his sleeve, Vilas is expected to spearhead Jozi's batting lineup along with Chris Gayle. Thus, Dane will be the one to watch out for in MSL 2018 with 2019 IPL auction also lining up after MSL 2018.

#3 Strengths and Weaknesses

Kagiso Rabada will have an uphill task while guiding Jozi Stars in MSL 2018

After having a look at their squad, let us now look at the strengths and the weaknesses of Jozi Stars.

Strengths

The undeniable strength that Jozi Stars hold is their powerful batting lineup. Along the lines of Chris Gayle, Dane Vilas, and Reeza Hendricks, batting doesn't seem to be a problem for Stars. Besides, they also include some of the local players who are expected to fire for them in the league.

Another strength that Jozi Stars possess is their settled pace bowling department. With Kagiso Rabada spearheading their pace department, they seemed to be ready to create havoc with the white cherry. Moreover, they also have some variety in their pace department in the name of Beuran Hendricks who is a fiery left-arm fast bowler.

Thus, two fundamentals - batting and bowling - seem to be all set for them ahead of the start of the MSL 2018.

Weakness

Although Jozi Stars possess a decent squad up their sleeve, they do have a weakness or two that might hinder them in the course of the league.

One thing that might trouble Jozi in MSL 2018 is their weak spin department. Some might argue that MSL is played in South Africa which negates the need for spinners. However, we have witnessed that how India's spin-twins benefited in South Africa and hence a quality spinner in your side could help you churn out a decent playing XI with a balanced set of players.

Thus, the spin department remains one of their weakest departments in MSL 2018 unless and until their rookie spinners perform in MSL 2018.