Following their loss at home in Centurion on Thursday night, Pretoria Capitals captain Keshav Maharaj hinted that there could be multiple changes to their playing XI and a possible reshuffle of the batting order ahead of today’s all-important SA20 clash against the Joburg Super Kings.
The Pretoria Capitals have largely fielded the same team throughout the tournament, with only sporadic changes, as the likes of star all-rounder Andre Russell joined the side mid-tournament. The team recovered well after starting the competition with back-to-back losses, going on to win three successive matches before Thursday’s fixture against the Paarl Royals at Centurion.
They suffered a six-wicket defeat at home to the Royals, a loss that stung deeply and prompted Maharaj to hint at changes in personnel and batting tactics. The skipper highlighted the team’s poor batting performances, while noting that the bowling group has generally been delivering for the side.
“I think maybe there will be a little bit of a change of personnel, maybe a reshuffling of the order. I don’t want to think of something whilst emotional, so let the emotions come down. On Saturday we’ll have good chats. We’ve got a big game against JSK. Hopefully, we can finish as high as we can in this competition,” Maharaj said.
“Maybe a few results can still help us look at the top two. We just want to make sure that we’re winning the game — that’s the main thing. I think we might have to look at a bit of a change of personnel with a bit of a reshuffle of the batting order. It’s gone on for nine games and it’s a similar scenario playing out. It’s really something we have to have a look at.
“Even on the bowling front, as much as we only had 126, there are areas where we can improve as a unit. We’ve bowled really well after the third game in this competition. As a unit, we lose as a unit and we win as a unit.
“We’ve got to find our own rhythms as a unit. We’re still searching for that clinical game in all facets of the game. Our fielding has been very up and down. I think we’re going to see a different side come Saturday, and that’s the main thing. We can only put our best foot forward.”
Maharaj was particularly disappointed after Thursday’s loss, as it was possibly the Capitals’ last home match of the season. The captain appeared eager to secure a victory against the Royals, not only to strengthen their playoff hopes but also to repay the strong support shown by the Centurion crowd throughout the season.
“We can’t dwell on the past. It’s disappointing to only get one win out of five at home and one draw,” Maharaj said. “But nevertheless, we are in a position where we can qualify for the playoffs. Hopefully a little bit of a shake-up will help, and then we can go three games back-to-back and put ourselves in a position to reach the final.”
Maharaj will lead his side against the Joburg Super Kings on Saturday, with the clash set to get underway at 5.30pm.
