South African batsman Temba Bavuma is all set to lead defending champions Jozi Stars in the upcoming second edition of the Mzansi Super League (MSL) 2019, which will get underway from 8 November.

Bavuma, who had played for Burban Heat inaugural edition, has replaced Dane Vilas, who guided the Stars to the MSL title in the inaugural edition of South Africa’s T20 league.

The 29-year-old has previously led the Lions in all formats last season and also captained South Africa A side in India on their recent tour, as well as, was Proteas Test vice-captain on the India tour.

This latest opportunity adds further fuel to his leadership credentials, as he has been increasingly seen as a successor to current captain Faf du Plessis in the longest format of the game.

Read Also: Hashim Amla joins Cape Town Blitz as batting consultant for upcoming eaMSL 2.0

Meanwhile, the franchise has retained dangerous West Indian batsman Chris Gayle and Kagiso Rabada as international and local marquee players respectively for the MSL 2019. Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik and Australia’s Dan Christian will be also seen in action for the Stars in the tournament.

Noteworthy, Bavuma has represented South Africa in 39 Test matches and amassed 1812 runs with one century, as well as two T20I and ODI matches so far.

Jozi Stars Squad:
Kagiso Rabada, Chris Gayle (West Indies), Rassie van der Dussen (retained player), Reeza Hendricks (retained player), Daniel Christian (Australia, retained player), Temba Bavuma (Captain), Duanne Olivier (retained player), Simon Harmer (retained player), Ryan Rickelton (retained player), Aaron Phangiso, Lizaad Williams, Sinethemba Qeshile (retained player), Nono Pongolo, Eathan Bosch, Delano Potgieter.

(With ESPN Cricinfo Inputs)