The SA20 2026 auction wrapped up with high expectations, and one team that stood out with a calculated and strategic approach was Durban’s Super Giants. With the season set to begin on December 26, the franchise has emerged as one of the most balanced sides, thanks to a mix of smart retentions, impactful pre-signings, and a strong auction table presence.
Among the headline moves was the signing of Jos Buttler, who has now officially become part of the Super Giants universe, a franchise ecosystem that continues to expand across global leagues. Buttler, already a central figure at Manchester Originals in The Hundred, became an even stronger fit for the Super Giants after the Lucknow-based ownership group, RPSG, acquired the Originals earlier this year.
His addition to Durban’s Super Giants highlights more than just a player signing; it marks a growing trend in modern franchise cricket — the consolidation of talent within multi-team ownership models. Buttler’s journey from Rajasthan Royals and Paarl Royals to now being aligned with Super Giants teams signals a shift in allegiance, and a deepening of his professional ties with the RPSG-owned network.
Durban’s Super Giants didn’t just build around star names; they constructed a squad with foresight. Retaining the promising Noor Ahmad, using their wildcard on the ever-reliable Heinrich Klaasen, and pre-signing proven T20 icons like Sunil Narine and Buttler shows clear intent. The franchise also picked up Aiden Markram for R14 million after his stellar season with Lucknow Super Giants, reinforcing their pattern of investing in familiar, trusted performers.
There is also growing speculation about Buttler’s future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After a successful IPL 2025 with Gujarat Titans, a potential trade to Lucknow Super Giants could materialize in the near future. With Nicholas Pooran reportedly on the Mumbai Indians’ radar and Rishabh Pant under pressure to perform, space could open up for Buttler in the IPL leg of the Super Giants franchise.
As senior players like Buttler look for consistency, stability, and global opportunities, being part of an interconnected sports brand like RPSG offers long-term security. Beyond cricket, the group also owns Mohun Bagan Super Giants in football, indicating its broader sporting ambitions.
For Buttler, the transition is a step into a growing sporting network that values continuity, rewards loyalty, and is unafraid to spend big on players they believe in. For the Super Giants, it’s another brick in their expanding empire.
