The 2025 T20 Blast is here, and the South Group promises some exciting matchups as teams battle for supremacy. With the Vitality Blast returning for another season, we take a look at the key teams and players to watch out for, as they aim to go all the way to the finals. Here’s a rundown of the teams in the South Group.
Essex
Captain: Simon Harmer
Overseas Players: Simon Harmer (South Africa, full competition), Mohammad Amir (Pakistan, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Six (2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019, 2023)
Titles: One (2019)
2024 Finish: Fifth (South Group)
Key Winter Moves: With Sam Cook likely to be unavailable for much of the summer due to England duties, Essex has brought back Mohammad Amir, who previously helped Essex to their only title in 2019. The addition of Amir strengthens their seam attack.
Big Question: Essex has often been inconsistent in T20 cricket. Can new coach Chris Silverwood and captain Simon Harmer finally bring stability and success to the team this season?
Wildcard Watch: Matt Critchley—A dynamic all-rounder who impressed with both bat and ball last season. His experience in the Hundred will be crucial for Essex.
Glamorgan
Captain: Kiran Carlson
Overseas Players: Colin Ingram (South Africa, full competition), Hayden Kerr (Australia, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Two (2004, 2017)
Titles: None
2024 Finish: Sixth (South Group)
Key Winter Moves: Hayden Kerr joins the team as an all-rounder with flexibility in both batting and bowling. However, the absence of Marnus Labuschagne due to international duties is a major blow for Glamorgan.
Big Question: Can Richard Dawson bring his winning mentality from Gloucestershire to Glamorgan? Will the squad rise to the challenge in this competitive group?
Wildcard Watch: Mason Crane—The leg-spinner was excellent last season and could play a pivotal role in Glamorgan’s success.
Gloucestershire
Captain: Jack Taylor
Overseas Players: D’Arcy Short (Australia, all group matches), Cameron Bancroft (Australia, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Four (2003, 2007, 2020, 2024)
Titles: One
2024 Finish: Winners
Key Winter Moves: D’Arcy Short comes in to replace Beau Webster. With his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Short brings experience and dynamism.
Big Question: As defending champions, can Gloucestershire handle the pressure of being favorites and perform under the spotlight this season?
Wildcard Watch: Miles Hammond—The big-hitting Miles Hammond had a stellar season last year and will again play a key role in Gloucestershire’s quest to defend their title.
Hampshire
Captain: James Vince
Overseas Players: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (South Africa, 10 matches from June 13), Dewald Brevis (South Africa, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Ten (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Titles: Three (2010, 2012, 2022)
2024 Finish: Seventh (South Group)
Key Winter Moves: Hampshire has brought in two exciting young South African players in Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis, both of whom are set to make a major impact this season.
Big Question: Can James Vince rediscover his form after a lean 2024? With a new set of talented overseas players, Hampshire will be looking to get back to their winning ways.
Wildcard Watch: Dewald Brevis—The young South African has already made a name for himself with his explosive batting. His powerful hitting will be key to Hampshire’s success.
Kent
Captain: Sam Billings
Overseas Players: Wes Agar (Australia, all group matches), Tom Rogers (Australia, all group matches)
Finals Day Appearances: Four (2007, 2008, 2009, 2021)
Titles: Two (2007, 2021)
2024 Finish: Ninth (South Group)
Key Winter Moves: Kent has signed Wes Agar and Tom Rogers as overseas players, bolstering their pace attack. They also welcome Chris Benjamin from Birmingham Bears to add firepower.
Big Question: Can Kent reverse their underperforming form in recent years and replicate their success from the 2021 Blast?
Wildcard Watch: Daniel Bell-Drummond—The stylish right-hander has been consistent in the Blast and will be crucial in setting the tone at the top of the order.
Middlesex
Captain: Stephen Eskinazi
Overseas Players: Kane Williamson (New Zealand, full competition), Josh Little (Ireland, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: One (2008)
Titles: One (2008)
2024 Finish: Eighth (South Group)
Key Winter Moves: Kane Williamson brings experience and leadership to Middlesex, while Josh Little strengthens their pace attack.
Big Question: Can Middlesex meet the high expectations set by their new head coach Richard Johnson and turn around their T20 form?
Wildcard Watch: Joe Cracknell—After a solid start in the Blast, Cracknell will look to make a significant impact this season.
Somerset
Captain: Lewis Gregory
Overseas Players: Riley Meredith (Australia, full competition), Matt Henry (New Zealand, first 11 group matches)
Finals Day Appearances: Ten (2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Titles: Two (2005, 2023)
2024 Finish: Runners-up
Key Winter Moves: Riley Meredith and Matt Henry form an exciting pace partnership that promises to be formidable in the competition.
Big Question: After losing in last season’s final, can Somerset bounce back and capture the title this year?
Wildcard Watch: Lewis Goldsworthy—The all-rounder could be the key to balancing Somerset’s attack and providing depth with both bat and ball.
Surrey
Captain: Sam Curran
Overseas Players: Mitchell Santner (New Zealand, available after IPL), Nathan Smith (New Zealand, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Nine (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2023, 2024)
Titles: One (2003)
2024 Finish: Semi-finals
Key Winter Moves: Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith will provide Surrey with much-needed experience in both batting and bowling.
Big Question: After two consecutive semi-final losses, can Surrey break their Finals Day curse and claim their second T20 title?
Wildcard Watch: Dom Sibley—The former Test opener has reinvented himself in T20 cricket and will look to carry his form into the new season.
Sussex
Captain: Tymal Mills
Overseas Players: Nathan McAndrew (Australia, all group stage), Gurinder Sandhu (Australia, all group stage), Daniel Hughes (Australia, full competition)
Finals Day Appearances: Six (2007, 2009, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2024)
Titles: One (2009)
2024 Finish: Semi-finalists
Key Winter Moves: Sussex has strengthened their squad with Gurinder Sandhu and Nathan McAndrew, both adding firepower to their bowling attack.
Big Question: Can Tymal Mills lead Sussex to a first-ever title after their strong semi-final showing last season?
Wildcard Watch: Harrison Ward—The explosive batter has the potential to make a big impact at the top of the order.
