“I am surprised he replied to me” - Keshav Maharaj on marquee signing of Durban Super Giants in SA20 2025

Durban Super Giants (DSG) spinner Keshav Maharaj is excited to have Kane Williamson in their ranks for the third edition of SA20. With the left-arm spinner dropping the New Zealand veteran a message on Instagram, he wasn't expecting a response. However, Williamson surprised him.

Williamson wasn't part of the first two seasons of the T20 competition but signed with the Super Giants for the third after relinquishing his central contract with New Zealand and becoming a free agent. The right-handed batter reacted to his signing, saying he was excited to play in front of a packed house at the Kingsmead in Durban.

Speaking to reporters ahead of DSG's opening game on Friday, Maharaj said he is excited to pick up cues from Williamson's experience and his philosophies while leading the side. He said (as quoted by iol.com.za):

"When I heard about it (signing for DSG), I actually dropped him a DM. I was surprised he replied to me, considering the following that he has. But I think with someone of his pedigree – he’s won many titles for his country and in franchise tournaments. He has done really well as a leader. I am excited to learn from someone like him. He’s been around the world. To be able to dive into his insights and look into the philosophies of how he leads teams."

The Tauranga-born cricketer has played 254 T20 matches, scoring 6442 runs at 31.57, including a solitary hundred. The former Black Caps captain has also lifted IPL T20 titles with the SunRisers Hyderabad in 2016 and the Gujarat Titans in 2022. As captain, he ushered the SunRisers to the final in 2018.

"The amount of time and skill he possesses is incredible" - Keshav Maharaj on Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson. (Image Credits: Getty)

Maharaj predicts Williamson's role will be quite critical for them this season, given they needed an anchor in their ranks. In the same interview, he said:

"He’s phenomenally skilled. He’s probably the best batter I’ve ever bowled to in international cricket. The amount of time and skill he possesses is incredible. We have a lot of power hitters, but maybe last year we lacked someone who could anchor the innings. That’s the role we see him playing this year."

The Super Giants had lost to the SunRisers Eastern Cape by 89 runs in the final last year.