- Marques Ackerman has been named as Dolphins 4-Day captain for the 2020/21 season.
- Ackerman took over the role in an interim capacity at the beginning of 2020, but has now been given the role on a permanent basis.
- Keshav Maharaj will lead the Durban franchise in the limited overs formats.
The Dolphins on Wednesday confirmed their captains for the upcoming 2020/21 season.
The Durban franchise named Marques Ackerman as skipper for the CSA Domestic 4-Day Series, while Keshav Maharaj will lead the side in limited overs cricket.
Ackerman took over the role in an interim capacity at the beginning of 2020 and was one of the masterminds in a turnaround that saw the Dolphins win two 4-Day matches in a row and draw another.
Head coach Imraan Khan says he's excited to see what the 24-year-old can do in a whole season as the team's leader. Khan believes that Ackerman's approach to the game makes him the right man for the job on a permanent basis.
"Marques was critical in our turnaround last season, both in the role that he played as a leader and also in the role that he played with the bat," Khan said via a press statement.
"He has got fantastic energy and he drives a very high standard both on and off the field and his influence in the side made the decision an easy one for us."
Ackerman, who was the Dolphins' highest run scorer in the 4-Day competition last season, is relishing taking on a role that has been filled by some of the biggest names of KwaZulu-Natal cricket.
"To be given the captaincy full-time is an incredible honour and a challenge that I am very excited about.
"The Dolphins have had a long history of brilliant captains and to be given the job is hugely rewarding.
"We have got a very strong bunch of players and leaders within the squad which will make my job a lot easier.
"We cannot wait to get back on the field in the next few weeks and are looking forward to starting off where we finished at the end of last season."
The Dolphins are in preparation for the season which will be getting underway in November and Khan is excited that the team can finally get back onto the field.
"Having better knowledge about a start to the season has given us clarity as to how we want to prepare.
"With that said, even with the uncertainty around the season the boys have trained exceptionally well through this period," he added.
Looking at the squad that will be available to Khan for the upcoming season, he feels that they have got their bases covered across the board.
"We have a good group of players and I think we have recruited quite nicely but what’s been the most impressive thing for me is the hunger and desire amongst the group.
"It's evident to see in practice situations how the guys have been driving and pushing each other and maintaining a very high standard in the practice sessions."