Meet the top JSK emerging players for SA20 2025 Wiaan Mulder, Steve Stolk, Dian Forrester, Neil Timmers, and Janco Smit. Future stars ready to shine.
For years, the Joburg Super Kings have carried the weight of expectation in the SA20 League. We’ve produced competitive squads, fought deep into seasons, and built a reputation of resilience and class; yet the championship trophy has continued to slip through our fingers.
From rain-affected heartbreaks to narrow knockout exits, JSK have been close, but not close enough. As we step into JSK 2025, our hunger has only grown stronger. And this season, with a refreshed JSK team, a sharper squad, and a new batch of JSK emerging players rising through the ranks, we believe more than ever that our moment is finally coming. This year, we aren’t just aiming; we’re expecting.
JSK Retained Players for 2025
Before diving into the young talent powering JSK forward, let’s acknowledge the spine of our squad: our retained core.
We continue with:
- Faf du Plessis (captain)
- James Vince
- Akeal Hosein
- Richard Gleeson
- Donovan Ferreira
These stalwarts form the leadership and experience base around which our next generation will flourish in JSK 2025.
JSK emerging players
JSK emerging players headline the franchise’s 2025 push, bringing fresh power, depth, and versatility to a squad chasing its first SA20 title. With rising talents across batting, bowling, and all-round roles, JSK enters the new season with a stronger identity and renewed belief in its young core.
Wiaan Mulder – The All-Round Powerhouse Ready for a Breakout
Wiaan Mulder enters JSK 2025 as one of the most complete young all-rounders South Africa has produced in years. His rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After scoring his maiden Test century against Bangladesh in 2024, Mulder followed it up with a blistering 147 against Zimbabwe.
But the world truly took notice when he hammered an unbeaten 367 in July 2025 as South Africa’s Test captain; now the fifth-highest Test score in cricket history and the highest by a South African captain. That strike rate of 109.88 in a triple-ton says everything you need to know about his mindset.
With JSK signing him for a massive R9 million in SA20 2025, we secured a generational all-rounder. Mulder’s balance, aggressive batting, dependable pace bowling, and elite temperament make him one of the most important JSK emerging players this season. If he peaks here like he has for South Africa, JSK 2025 could be his tournament.
Wiaan Mulder SA20 Batting Stats
| Season | Team | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Average | BF | SR |
| 2025 | Durban’s Super Giants | 10 | 2 | 145 | 45 | 24.17 | 122 | 118.85 |
| 2024 | Durban’s Super Giants | 12 | 2 | 297 | 59 | 37.13 | 189 | 157.14 |
| 2023 | Durban’s Super Giants | 10 | 0 | 161 | 42 | 17.89 | 132 | 121.97 |
Wiaan Mulder SA20 Bowling Stats
| Season | Team | Mat | Ov | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ |
| 2025 | Durban’s Super Giants | 10 | 56 | 87 | 1 | 1/10 | 87.00 | 9.32 |
| 2024 | Durban’s Super Giants | 12 | 72 | 114 | 2 | 1/16 | 57.00 | 9.50 |
| 2023 | Durban’s Super Giants | 10 | 84 | 140 | 6 | 2/17 | 23.33 | 10.00 |
Steve Stolk – The Fearless Young Player JSK Needed
Few young cricketers have risen as quickly or as loudly as Steve Stolk. The moment he smashed the fastest fifty in U-19 World Cup history (50 off 13 balls), the cricket world sat up. Then he added an 86 off 37 in the same game and walked away with the Player of the Match award. His reputation as a fearless hitter was sealed instantly.
While his SA20 numbers for Pretoria Capitals in 2025 weren’t groundbreaking, 21 runs in 3 matches, his talent is undeniable. JSK recognised this early, securing him for the base price in the 2025 auction.
In JSK 2025, he won’t just be another squad player. He’s the high-ceiling wildcard. The one who can turn a game in 12 balls. The future star we’re willing to invest in. And the kind of JSK emerging Player who can explode at exactly the right moment.
Steve Stolk Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| List A | 5 | 5 | 0 | 94 | 29 | 18.80 | 132 | 71.20 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 |
| T20 | 12 | 12 | 1 | 85 | 13 | 7.70 | 82 | 103.70 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 4 |
| SA20 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 13 | 10.50 | 22 | 95.45 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Dian Forrester – The Under-the-Radar All-Round Gem
Every successful JSK team has had one constant: dependable all-rounders who may not grab headlines but consistently win moments. Dian Forrester fits that role perfectly. A left-hand batter and right-arm medium bowler, he has quietly become one of South Africa’s most reliable emerging all-rounders.
In 2025, Forrester delivered a match-winning 96 against Bangladesh Emerging, a performance that showcased his ability to anchor and finish innings. His first-class average has touched above 60, and in List A cricket, he has a best of 6/48, proving his bowling isn’t just support; it’s impact-level.
Forrester’s signing by JSK in the SA20 2025 auction marks a major step in his T20 trajectory. What makes him exciting is his all-format maturity. He’s the young Player JSK can use anywhere: middle order, lower order, or as a change bowler. And these are the players who become indispensable during long tournaments. Keep your eyes on Forrester in JSK 2025; he’s not loud, but he’s effective, and that’s exactly what wins titles.
Dian Forrester Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s |
| FC | 17 | 27 | 4 | 1033 | 127* | 44.91 | 1580 | 65.37 | 2 | 7 |
| List A | 16 | 16 | 3 | 776 | 128 | 59.69 | 745 | 104.16 | 3 | 3 |
| T20s | 14 | 14 | 4 | 291 | 57* | 29.10 | 224 | 129.91 | 0 | 1 |
Dian Forrester Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR |
| FC | 17 | 30 | 1638 | 951 | 23 | 3/77 | 4/93 | 41.34 | 3.48 | 71.2 |
| List A | 16 | 14 | 401 | 374 | 17 | 6/48 | 6/48 | 22.00 | 5.59 | 23.5 |
| T20s | 14 | 12 | 168 | 248 | 9 | 3/30 | 3/30 | 27.55 | 8.85 | 18.6 |
Neil Timmers – The Left-Handed Keeper with a High Upside
Every top T20 team needs a brave left-handed keeper-batter who can shift gears when needed, and JSK may have found their future in Neil Timmers. Born in 2004, Timmers is one of the freshest faces in this squad. He hasn’t had major professional exposure yet, but what he does have is raw intent and strong wicketkeeping fundamentals.
JSK picked him at R200,000 in the 2025 SA20 auction, signalling a long-term investment. Timmers has impressed in developmental circuits with his attacking approach, especially in pressure chases and during the power play. He brings balance as a left-hander, a tactical advantage teams crave.
Timmers might not start every game in JSK 2025, but that doesn’t matter. Seasons are long. Roles evolve. And young keepers often get that one breakthrough opportunity that changes everything. Among all JSK emerging players, he’s the one whose growth we’ll be watching with microscope-level detail.
Janco Smit – The Raw Paceman Built for Big Stages
South Africa never runs out of quick bowlers, but Janco Smit is one of the new faces worth the hype. Making his first-class debut in April 2025, he picked up six wickets in his first two matches, including a best of 3/54. What stood out wasn’t just the wickets; it was the pace, the aggression, and the willingness to attack.
JSK picked him up for the base price, but don’t let the number fool you. This is a long-term pace project. Smit’s raw attributes- hit-the-deck energy, natural speed, and improving discipline- make him a bowler who could become a key asset across SA20 campaigns.
In JSK 2025, he may begin as a bench option, but tournaments like these reward hungry fast bowlers. One injury, one tactical shuffle, or one power-play opportunity, and Smit could find himself in the XI. And once pace bowlers like him get rhythm, they can blow games open.
Janco Smit Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR |
| FC | 5 | 8 | 678 | 391 | 11 | 3/54 | 3/54 | 35.54 | 3.46 | 61.6 |
| T20s | 1 | 1 | 12 | 30 | 0 | – | – | – | 15.00 | – |
Why Emerging Players Matter for JSK 2025
As the JSK team rebuilds for a decisive SA20 campaign, the focus has shifted toward creating a squad with greater versatility, depth, and long-term stability. This season’s structure places young talent at the centre of the franchise’s competitive strategy, ensuring fresh energy supports the established core.
• How emerging players fit into JSK’s 2025 strategy
JSK emerging players are central to the franchise’s refreshed approach for the new season. After years of near misses, the team has moved toward a model that blends experienced match-winners with young, high-upside talent. The aim is to lift intent in the middle overs, add depth to the bowling attack, and introduce more tactical flexibility.
• What gaps they’re intended to fill
Last season exposed two key gaps: finishing strength and adaptable bowling options. The new group addresses both. Players like Mulder and Forrester strengthen the all-round balance, while Stolk and Timmers offer explosive batting options that can reshape power-play and death-overs plans.
• Why 2025 is different from previous seasons
JSK 2025 marks the first season where youth development is not just supportive but strategic. With clearer roles and a deeper bench, the squad is sharper, quicker, and better equipped to challenge for the title.
This Year Is Ours
We’ve waited long enough. We’ve rebuilt, retained smartly, recruited boldly, and invested in the brightest JSK emerging players South Africa has to offer. The blend of youth and experience in JSK 2025 is stronger, sharper, and more dangerous than anything we’ve fielded before.
FAQs
Who are the most promising new players in JSK 2025?
JSK’s most promising new players include Wiaan Mulder, Steve Stolk, Dian Forrester, Neil Timmers, and Janco Smit. Each brings a different blend of aggression, skill, and long-term potential to the squad.
Which emerging JSK players could make a big impact in SA20?
Mulder and Stolk are the strongest contenders for immediate impact, with Forrester close behind due to his all-around consistency. Smit and Timmers could break through if JSK use them in the right match situations.
How are JSK’s young talents performing in training and matches?
Early signs from camp suggest that Stolk and Forrester are striking the ball cleanly, while Mulder has been dominant in intra-squad sessions. Smit’s pace and Timmers’ clean keeping have also impressed the JSK coaches.
