Life After Markram: Can Sunrisers Eastern Cape Reclaim SA20 Glory?

Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been one of the most successful franchises in the early history of the SA20. Led by Aiden Markram, they won the first two editions of the tournament, claiming back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024 and establishing a dynasty in South Africa’s premier T20 league.

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However, a major shake-up ahead of the 2025/26 SA20 season saw Markram join Durban’s Super Giants for Season 4.

A Captain & Match-Winner Walks Away

Aiden Markram was more than just the captain; he was the cornerstone of SEC’s success. Across multiple seasons, he consistently scored runs, led by example and helped steer his team through tense finishes. Under his leadership, the Sunrisers reached three finals and lifted the trophy twice, establishing a winning culture that many teams covet.

His performances weren’t just symbolic; Markram’s batting and tactical nous often lifted SEC at key moments. With a reputation for composure and a strong middle-order presence, his absence leaves both a technical and a leadership gap that will be difficult to fill.

Leadership Transition – Uncertainty at the Helm

To replace Markram, Sunrisers Eastern Cape have appointed Tristan Stubbs as their new captain. Batting coach Russell Domingo reiterated that while losing Markram was “painful,” the franchise is backing Stubbs to lead a balanced squad with international experience.

Stubbs is a talented and charismatic player in his own right, but he leads a squad that now lacks the seasoned strategic nous Markram brought. Leadership in T20 isn’t just about batting, it’s about decision-making, field placements under pressure and getting the best out of all players. That transition period could prove costly in tight games where experience is often the difference between victory and defeat.

Experience Lost, Talent Still There

Sunrisers have attempted to mitigate Markram’s departure by recruiting depth across their squad, including retaining domestic talent and signing experienced internationals like Quinton de Kock and Jonny Bairstow.

But experience in leadership roles isn’t entirely replaceable. Markram’s familiarity with the SA20 format, his ability to marshal bowlers in pressure overs, and his decade-plus experience in T20 leagues around the world gave Sunrisers an edge in key moments across past seasons.

Psychological and Strategic Impact

There’s a psychological element too. SEC’s identity was closely tied to Markram’s leadership; his departure could unsettle team dynamics, especially during tense playoff matches where calm heads are crucial. An inexperienced captain like Stubbs must now command respect not only as a player but as a strategic leader. That shift takes time, even for talented cricketers.

Strategically, Markram’s absence also changes how opponents plan for the Sunrisers. Teams no longer have to specifically strategise around his batting patterns or leadership tendencies, making the Orange Army easier to plan against.

A Shift in SA20 Power Balance

The loss of Aiden Markram is a significant blow to Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s chances of reclaiming the SA20 title. While their squad remains strong on paper, and they’ve worked to fill gaps with quality signings, the absence of leadership continuity and big-match temperament he provided could make the difference in a tightly contested tournament.

Tristan Stubbs, backed by experienced teammates, has the potential to lead, but how quickly this new leadership group gels under pressure may determine whether Sunrisers can recapture the winning formula that delivered consecutive titles in the league’s early years.