The SA20 2025-26 ended when Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) defeated Pretoria Capitals (PC) in the final played at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday, January 25. In the first innings, PC batted first, scoring 158 runs for 7 wickets in their full quota of twenty overs, with Dewald Brevis contributing a sensational 101 runs scored off of 56 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes. Despite this impressive effort from this young man, he could not guide Pretoria to a huge total. His innings not only showcased his ability to hit the cricket ball long distances but also demonstrated his ability to maintain composure under pressure; the T20 scouts, as well as fans, are excited about Dewald's potential ability, and rightfully so.

After losing four wickets within 48 runs, SEC was also in early trouble. Matthew Breetzke and Captain Tristan Stubbs came together to form an unbroken partnership of 114 runs off of 64 balls, leading the way for SEC to win the match. Stubbs scored 63 not out off of 41 balls while Breetzke made 68 not out off of 49 balls. After the tremendous effort of the pair, SEC was victorious by 6 wickets with 4 balls remaining, winning SEC’s third SA20 title in four years. Now that the tournament is over, we are excited about the performance of several of the players that stood out during this tournament when they play in the IPL in 2026.

1. Dewald Brevis

Dewald Brevis has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in global T20 cricket, and his performances in the SA20 2025‑26 have catapulted him into the spotlight ahead of IPL 2026. Nicknamed “Baby AB” for his elegant stroke play reminiscent of AB de Villiers, Brevis dominated bowling attacks throughout the SA20 season with brutal hitting, impeccable timing, and fearless intent. His ability to maintain a strike rate well above 150 made him invaluable to Pretoria Capitals, and his batting exploits caught the attention of IPL scouts and franchises alike.

See Also: Shai Hope named captain as West Indies announces squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Brevis didn’t just score runs in the SA20 — he did so with consistency and impact. Whether it was setting the tone at the top of the innings or accelerating in the death overs, he showed a complete range of T20 batting skills. The aura he generated in SA20 is a strong indicator of how he could flourish in the IPL’s electrifying atmosphere. His power hitting, innovation against all types of bowling, and comfort in high‑pressure situations make him one of the most intriguing prospects for IPL 2026. Expect teams to rely on his bat for quick starts and explosive middle‑overs fireworks.

2. Aiden Markram

Another SA20 star turning heads ahead of IPL 2026 is Aiden Markram. A seasoned campaigner who led Sunrisers Eastern Cape with authority, Markram blends tactical maturity with batting dynamism. In SA20 2025‑26, he was among the top run‑contributors and provided crucial innings at key moments. His capability to build innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him particularly suited for IPL conditions, where balance and adaptability are vital.

Markram’s credentials go beyond runs; he’s a proven leader with experience in various T20 leagues around the world. This leadership facet enhances his value in the IPL, where teams constantly seek players who can marshal resources and guide younger talents. With solid technique and experience handling pace and spin alike, Markram’s confidence and consistency will make him a key IPL performer. His all‑around game has the potential to influence matches, making him a player to watch once franchises kick off their 2026 campaigns.

3. Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen has proven that his SA20 success translates to IPL value. Known for his tall, intimidating presence and ability to extract bounce, Jansen was a standout with both bat and ball, making him a genuine all‑round asset. Across the SA20 2025‑26 season, he delivered breakthroughs with disciplined seam bowling, and also contributed runs when needed — a rare combination that IPL franchises gold‑rush for.

In a league where bowlers who can keep the runs down and still chip in with bat form the backbone of balanced sides, Jansen ticks both boxes. His left‑arm pace offers variety, and his knack for picking up crucial wickets at pivotal moments boosts any side’s bowling depth. Moreover, a lower‑order batting capability gives teams flexibility, making him a standout SA20 performer ready to tackle the rigours of IPL competition. Jansen’s continued development could make him a game‑changer in the 2026 season.

4. Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje’s SA20 2025‑26 campaign showcased his return to peak rhythm after battling injuries. With raw speed consistently flirting with the upper limits of pace bowling, Nortje terrorised batsmen and claimed a clutch of wickets that proved decisive for his team. His ballistic bowling style — hitting hardest at the start and during death overs — is something IPL franchises value immensely.

Nortje’s ability to run through strong batting lineups in SA20 signals he can do exactly that in IPL 2026. Fast bowlers who can deliver in crunch moments and sustain pressure are often IPL match‑winners, and Nortje’s rhythm and aggression make him a potent weapon. If he stays fit and maintains his lethal form, Nortje will likely bolster any IPL bowling attack, bringing speed, skill, and menace to the crease — especially on batting‑friendly Indian pitches.

5. Sherfane Rutherford

Sherfane Rutherford enjoyed an impressive SA20 2025-26 campaign, emerging as one of Pretoria Capitals’ most consistent batters. The West Indies left-hander featured in 11 matches and scored 334 runs across 10 innings, averaging a remarkable 66.80. His attacking intent stood out, reflected in a strike rate of 165.34, while two fluent half-centuries underlined his ability to combine power with control. Time and again, Rutherford provided stability in the middle order and accelerated when required, making him a vital contributor to Pretoria’s run to the latter stages of the tournament.

Rutherford’s strong showing in South Africa has set the stage for an exciting IPL 2026 season. The Caribbean batter will turn out for five-time champions Mumbai Indians, adding depth and firepower to their batting unit. He previously represented Gujarat Titans during the 2025 IPL season but was traded to MI ahead of the 2026 auction. With his recent form and growing experience in global T20 leagues, Rutherford will be eager to make a significant impact in Mumbai’s star-studded lineup.