When you talk about leadership in the SA20, the Joburg Super Kings Captain 2025, Faf du Plessis, stands out as the most influential figure in the competition. For three consecutive seasons, his JSK leadership has guided the team into the playoffs, combining tactical intelligence with match-winning performances.
Loved by fans and respected across the cricket world, Faf du Plessis, the captain, is more than a title; it is the heartbeat of the franchise. His journey from IPL stalwart to the face of Johannesburg’s SA20 side is a story of loyalty, consistency, and an unrelenting hunger for the championship that has so far eluded the team.
The Franchise Boy Who Became the Captain
The Joburg Super Kings’ rise in the SA20 and Faf’s journey have been intertwined since the team’s debut in 2023. As the SA20 team captain, he has been the driving force behind a culture of belief, discipline, and resilience. Under his leadership, JSK has made the playoffs every single season, a testament to both his strategic thinking and his ability to inspire those around him.
Faf is no stranger to the Super Kings’ legacy. He was a key figure at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL before moving to Royal Challengers Bangalore as captain after the 2022 mega auction. In 2025, he represented the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, but his connection to the Super Kings Teams stayed strong. That loyalty extends beyond South Africa, as he also leads the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
The Batter: Consistency and Class
For JSK, Faf du Plessis, the captain, is not just about field placements and tactical calls; it is also about leading from the front with the bat. In 33 matches, he has scored 894 runs at a strike rate of 143 and an average of 33.11, including 7 fifties and 1 century. This makes him the highest run scorer in JSK history and the fifth-highest in SA20 history.
His ability to adapt to match situations is one of his biggest strengths. Whether setting the tone with quick runs in the power play or anchoring the innings in tense chases, Faf remains reliable. In the high-scoring environment of the Wanderers, he has been both a crowd-pleaser and a consistent run accumulator.
Unmatched Impact: Faf Du Plessis’ Leadership
Faf’s impact on Joburg Super Kings goes far beyond numbers and match results. With over a decade of international cricket and experience in multiple global T20 leagues, he brings a rare combination of tactical depth and situational awareness. His leadership style blends empathy with authority, ensuring players feel trusted yet accountable.
Young talents thrive under his guidance, benefiting from his insights on preparation, shot selection, and handling high-pressure scenarios. As a seasoned SA20 team captain, he has developed a blueprint for success that balances aggression with calculated risk-taking.
His experience in different conditions, from the fast-paced IPL to the evolving MLC, allows him to adapt strategies on the fly. For JSK, Faf is both the anchor and the spark, a captain who steadies the ship in storms and ignites belief when the odds are stacked against them.
Faf du Plessis Captaincy Record with JSK
In a league where captaincy changes are frequent, JSK leadership under Faf has been a model of stability. His captaincy record speaks volumes:
How many matches has JSK won under Faf
| Matches | Wins | Losses | Draw/Ties | Win % | Playoff Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 14 | 16 | 3 | 41.17% | 3 (2023, 2024, 2025) [reached playoffs/semi-finals each year] |
Faf du Plessis is the heartbeat of Joburg Super Kings, and the numbers back up what JSK fans feel every season. Since the franchise’s first ball in 2023, he has captained every single match: 34 games, with 14 wins, 16 losses and 3 no-results, a 41.17% win rate.
Most importantly, Faf has taken JSK to the business end every year—playoffs in 2023, 2024 and 2025 (semi-finalists in year one, fourth in the group but through in year two, and qualified again in 2025). For a young franchise, that’s a solid floor set by one leader.
Runs Scored by Faf du Plessis as JSK Captain
| Year | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 11 | 369 | 113 | 41.00 | 1 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 | 239 | 57 | 29.88 | 0 | 3 |
| 2025 | 11 | 286 | 87 | 28.60 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 33 | 894 | 113 | 33.25 | 1 | 7 |
With the bat, Faf du Plessis has been far more than just a leader in name—he’s been a consistent run machine for Joburg Super Kings. Across 33 matches as captain, he’s scored 894 runs at an average of 33.25, registering one century and seven fifties.
His best came in 2023, when he amassed 369 runs at 41.00, including the first-ever SA20 hundred (113) and two half-centuries. In 2024, he added 239 runs at 29.88 with three fifties, while 2025 saw him notch 286 runs at 28.60 with two more fifties and a highest score of 87.
JSK Playoff Qualifications by Year under du Plessis captain
| Year | Stage Reached | Group Position |
|---|
| 2023 | Semi-finalists | 2nd |
| 2024 | Playoffs | 4th |
| 2025 | Playoffs | 4th |
What we love most as a JSK fan is how those playoff ticks keep arriving. A 41.17% win rate might look modest on paper, but in a short tournament with tight finishes and weather-hit nights (those 3 NR games matter), Faf’s group keeps finding a path to knockouts. That’s leadership, that’s culture; and that’s why he’s still the first name on our team sheet.
JSK Desire for the Trophy
Three seasons, three playoff runs, but no silverware yet. Faf understands that knockout cricket requires a spark beyond consistency, a decisive moment that changes everything. The close calls have only deepened his determination to see JSK crowned champions.
Whether defending a modest total or chasing a daunting target, Faf du Plessis captain, has shown the composure that keeps his team alive in pressure situations. In 2025-26, this mental strength could be the edge JSK needs to lift the trophy at last.
Leading Beyond Borders
Faf’s influence extends well beyond South Africa. As the SA20 team captain for JSK and skipper of Texas Super Kings in MLC, he has shown remarkable consistency. In 2025, he took TSK to Qualifier 2, mirroring his best result with JSK.
This ability to compete deep into tournaments across different leagues is a quality few captains can claim. It proves that his methods work universally, and his adaptability is not bound by geography or conditions.
The 41-Year-Old Inspiration
| League | Runs Scored |
|---|---|
| IPL | 4473 |
| SA20 (Joburg SK) | 894 |
| MLC (notable 2025) | 934 |
| Total (Known) | 6301 |
At 41, Faf’s career mirrors that of his former CSK teammate MS Dhoni, who famously lifted the IPL trophy in 2023 at the same age. Age has not dulled Faf’s hunger or his sharp cricket brain. His fitness remains elite, his batting is precise, and his game awareness is respected by opponents worldwide.
For young players in the JSK camp, having Faf du Plessis captain serves as both a guide and an inspiration. His professionalism sets a standard that raises the entire squad’s performance.
Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season
JSK enters the new season with stability at its core. Alongside Faf, the retained list includes:
- James Vince – Brings composure and batting depth
- Akeal Hosein – Offers spin control and tactical variation
- Richard Gleeson – Adds pace and clever bowling changes
- Donovan Ferreira – Provides explosive hitting and all-around value
This blend of experience and X-factor players reflects the franchise’s strategy of building around proven leaders. With JSK leadership centred on Faf, the squad is positioned to challenge for the title once again.
The Face of Joburg Super Kings
For the fans, Faf is not just a player; he is the embodiment of their club. When the Wanderers fill with yellow, they cheer not only for runs and wickets but for the man leading them. His bond with supporters is as strong as his on-field partnerships, and his influence in the dressing room is unmatched.
Whether guiding young bowlers through tense overs or driving the chase under lights, he personifies JSK leadership in every aspect of the game.
Conclusion
The Joburg Super Kings Captain 2025 is more than an on-field strategist. Faf du Plessis is the franchise’s heartbeat, a batter of the highest class, and an inspirational leader whose work ethic sets the tone for everyone around him. His captaincy record in SA20 is a story of consistent playoff finishes, and his connection to the Super Kings brand spans continents.
As the new season approaches, the question is not whether Faf du Plessis captain, can lead JSK into the playoffs again, but whether 2025-26 will finally be the year the Bullring celebrates its first SA20 title under his watch.
