With two final appearances in the last three seasons, the KZN Dolphins are eager to get back into T20 mode as the T20 Challenge gets underway on Friday.

The Dolphins take on Western Province in their opening match at Kingsmead on Friday evening, a tough start to an extended competition.

The T20 Challenge will follow a double round with teams facing each other home and away.

This extended tournament is intended to give players plenty of T20 cricket before the T20 World Cup. It is an exciting add on for fans who have been starved of domestic T20 cricket with the tournament being played in one venue for the last three seasons.

“We have a very strong squad for this competition,” said Dolphins captain Keshav Maharaj. “We’ve had strong squads in the past, but this one is probably the strongest.

“The SA20 has given a lot of players exposure, it also helped in increasing skill levels and cricket awareness, so players have been upskilled through the tournament.

“It’s exciting to have someone like Tristan Luus who we’ve been monitoring for the past two years, and we’ve finally got him on board at the Dolphins.

“This is a reward for the hard work he put in for the SA U19 side where he bowled really nicely and whacked it a bit so it’s great to have that extra depth in the squad.”

Maharaj is looking forward to wearing the Dolphins shirt again.

“I always find a sense of calm when I come back to the Dolphins because I feel like this is my safe place and home for me.

“I’m still driven to win trophies with the Dolphins and that still motivates me a lot. I want to win trophies for the Dolphins and obviously it hasn’t been a great season from that perspective, but it would be fitting to end the season with another trophy.

“But it’s not about focusing on the trophies. It’s about focusing on the processes and winning the games that get you to those trophies.

“I find playing for the Dolphins a perfect platform for me to hone my skills,” he added. “It’s a privilege to be able to pass on my knowledge to the next generation but also to learn from the guys that have been here for a long time.”

KZN Dolphins T20 squad: Keshav Maharaj (c), Grant Roelofsen, Bryce Parsons, Eathan Bosch, Khaya Zondo, Marques Ackerman, Jon-Jon Smuts, Brad Porteous, Jason Smith, Andile Phehlukwayo, Andile Simelane, Prenelan Subrayen, Ottniel Baartman, Okuhle Cele, Daryn Dupavillon, Tristan Luus, Odirile Modimokoane, Tshepang Dithole, SJ Erwee.

Photo: Gallo Images