Comebacks aren’t new to us. Every season, we regroup, reassess, and come back sharper. And as the SA20 gears up for Season 4, the spotlight is firmly on the Joburg Super Kings Bowling 2025 attack. Because if there’s one thing that separates the contenders from the champions in T20 cricket, it’s the ability to defend under pressure.
This year, our JSK bowlers bring a mix of variety, control, and raw firepower that could make us the SA20 best bowling unit. From express pacers to wily spinners, and from dependable all-rounders to clutch veterans, we’ve built a bowling core designed for South African conditions. The question is simple: can this attack dominate the league? Let’s find out.
The JSK Bowling Core – Who Do We Have?
JSK bowlers bring the perfect mix of pace and spin, youth and experience. From Burger’s raw speed to Tahir’s timeless craft, this attack has the firepower and control to dominate across all phases of a match.
Here’s the updated table with Richard Gleeson’s T20 stats included:
| Player | Bowling Type | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akeal Hosein | Left-arm Orthodox | 240 | 223 |
| Richard Gleeson | Right-arm Fast | 130 | 149 |
| Nandre Burger | Left-arm Fast | 78 | 88 |
| Imran Tahir | Leg-spin | 442 | 563 |
| Reece Topley | Left-arm Fast | 201 | 240 |
Akeal Hosein (Retained, Left-arm Orthodox)
Hosein has become a franchise regular for a reason. Across 240 T20 matches, he has taken an impressive 223 wickets, showing why he is trusted in leagues worldwide and will be seen as the leader of the spinner’s unit.
His left-arm orthodox spin gives us control in the powerplay overs, and his ability to tie down even the most explosive batters is priceless. At the Wanderers, his angles will be crucial to offset the small boundaries.
Richard Gleeson (Retained, Right-arm Fast)
Every team needs a wicket-taking enforcer, and Richard Gleeson is ours. His ability to hit the deck hard, bowl yorkers at the death, and surprise batters with sharp bouncers makes him a vital cog. With experience in England’s Blast and The Hundred, Gleeson thrives on pressure.
Nandre Burger (Left-arm Fast)
Our blockbuster signing, and for good reason, Nandre Burger will certainly be the leader of the bowling attack. He has already played 78 T20s and taken 88 wickets, proving himself as one of South Africa’s brightest fast-bowling talents.
With raw pace and bounce, he can dismantle batting line-ups in the power play. Raised on Johannesburg’s West Rand, Burger is literally bowling in his own backyard when he charges in at the Bullring. That home advantage cannot be overstated.
Imran Tahir (Leg-spin)
The ageless wonder. Imran Tahir has featured in 442 T20s, picking up a colossal 563 wickets at an economy of just under 7. But beyond the numbers, it’s his energy; those iconic wicket-taking sprints that make him special. At 46, he still outfoxes batters with his googlies and quicker ones, and his leadership in the spin department makes him indispensable.
Reece Topley (Left-arm Fast)
At 201 T20s and 240 wickets, Reece Topley is an absolute steal at his price. His height and left-arm angle create problems, especially under lights when the new ball swings. Partnering Burger, he gives us a devastating left-arm pace attack option that very few SA20 sides can match.
Janco Smit (Right-arm Fast)
The youngster in our squad, Smit, offers depth and hunger. A right-arm fast bowler who can slot in when needed, he gives us a local option to rotate our bowling unit without losing intensity.
The All-Rounders Who Add Depth
If the batters are somehow going to survive the pure bowling wrath of JSK bowlers, we will enter the all rounders. These are players who can contribute with both bat and ball, and are more than capable of winning the games for JSK.
Prenalen Subrayen (Off-spinner)
Subrayen has quietly become one of South Africa’s most consistent spinners. With 110 wickets in 120 T20s, he brings control and variation. More than just a bowler, his ability to contribute quick runs with a strike rate over 120 adds depth to the lower order.
Wiaan Mulder (Medium-pace)
Our crown jewel at the auction and one of the most expensive player for JSK, Mulder has played 129 T20 matches, taking 67 wickets with his deceptive medium pace. His cutters and slower balls are effective on South African pitches, and his batting makes him a dual threat. Mulder isn’t just a bowler; he’s a complete package who gives the captain flexibility in multiple phases.
Shubham Ranjane (Medium-pace, USA All-rounder)
Having represented Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket, Ranjane joins us as a backup option who can chip in with both bat and ball. He might not feature every game, but his presence ensures depth and squad competition.
Understanding the Picks – Analysis of JSK’s Bowling Strategy
The Joburg Super Kings Bowling 2025 roster isn’t an accident; it’s a carefully designed puzzle.
- Variety in pace attack: With Burger, Topley, Gleeson, and Mulder, we cover all ends of the fast-bowling spectrum; express pace, swing, hit-the-deck, and change-ups.
- Spin trio: Hosein, Tahir, and Subrayen give us leg-spin, orthodox spin, and off-spin; full coverage for matchups.
- Balance: The inclusion of all-rounders like Mulder and Subrayen means we don’t compromise batting depth for bowling strength.
The plan is simple: dominate every phase of the innings, from powerplay to death overs.
Who can make it in JSK final team?
Likely Core XI
- Openers: Faf du Plessis, James Vince
- Middle Order: Rilee Rossouw, Donovan Ferreira
- All-rounders/Spin: Wiaan Mulder, Prenalen Subrayen, Akheal Hosein.
- Bowlers: Imran Tahir, Nandre Burger, Richard Gleeson.
- Flex Spot: Either Brandon King (for batting) or Reece Topley (for bowling)
The Overseas Equation
Only four overseas players allowed; this complicates things:
- If we pick Brandon King, we get more batting power at the top, while relying on Mulder, Hosein, and Subrayen to share overs.
- If we pick Reece Topley, our pace attack becomes the most intimidating in SA20: Burger, Topley, and Gleeson, backed by spinners Hosein and Tahir.
No matter which way we go, it’s a good headache to have.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Joburg Super Kings Bowling 2025
Strengths
- Variety: No overlap in skillsets.
- South African Core: Burger, Subrayen, and Mulder give local flavour and conditions know-how.
- Spin Depth: Tahir’s wickets + Hosein’s control + Subrayen’s flexibility = a deadly trio.
- Death Overs: Gleeson’s pace and Topley’s yorkers make us equipped for crunch overs.
Weaknesses
- Injury Concerns: Topley and Gleeson have had long injury histories.
- Age Factor: Tahir’s age means we must manage his workload carefully.
- Death Overs Pressure: If Burger and Gleeson leak runs, backup options are limited.
JSK bowlers performance at Bullring
Bowling in South Africa is both a blessing and a challenge.
- General Conditions: Fast, bouncy pitches assist seamers. Spinners must rely on guile rather than turn.
- The Wanderers (Bullring): High altitude, small boundaries, and quick outfield; paradise for batters, nightmare for bowlers. But bounce also helps seamers like Burger and Topley, while Tahir’s drift can exploit batters going for big swings.
Our JSK bowlers are built for this; Burger and Gleeson to rattle top orders, Hosein to strangle in middle overs, and Tahir to strike when batters attack.
Can JSK Be the SA20’s Best Bowling Unit?
On paper, absolutely. Compare us with other SA20 squads, and few can match the depth we bring:
- Pace Attack: Burger’s bounce, Topley’s swing, Gleeson’s aggression, and Mulder’s smarts.
- Spinners: Tahir, Hosein, and Subrayen cover every angle.
- Backups: Smit and Ranjane ensure we’re never short of options.
We may not have one superstar like Rabada, but our strength lies in variety and balance. That’s what makes the Joburg Super Kings Bowling 2025 unit a contender for the SA20 best bowling unit title.
T20 cricket is all about moments. One magic over can change a game, and one disciplined bowling unit can change a season. With Burger’s bounce, Topley’s swing, Hosein’s control, Tahir’s guile, and Mulder’s all-round utility, we’ve assembled the most balanced attack in our franchise history.
The Joburg Super Kings Bowling 2025 isn’t just about defending scores; it’s about dictating terms. With this depth, variety, and firepower, we’re not just competing. We’re aiming to dominate.
This year, the Bullring won’t just echo with sixes. It’ll roar with wickets too.
