IND vs SA, 1st T20I: Chance for youngsters to shine, says Aiden Markram
With South Africa’s T20 squad dealing with injuries, Aiden Markram believes that it gives players the perfect opportunity to prove their worth, especially with the T20 World Cup coming up next year.
“It just provides opportunities for guys, who will be excited with it. The fast bowling stock is growing in South Africa and to get an opportunity is a wonderful thing for those guys. I’ve got no doubt they’re going to come and give 100 percent and hopefully the performance comes with that,” he said. ahead of the first T20I against India on Tuesday.
In a positive development, pacer Anrich Nortje is fit and raring to go. “He’s been a big player for us in previous World Cups. Whenever a bowler can bowl as quick as he can, he’s fit, excited and ready to play. It’s always a boost to any team.”
He also said that whoever takes the new ball will have a tough task on hand taking on the in-form Abhishek Sharma.
“I’ve played with Abhi before at Sunrisers. No doubt, it’s a big wicket for us and whoever takes the new ball for us, that’s a challenge for them to hopefully get him early, because he’s a match winner when he gets going.”
Though the Indian Premier League auction is on the horizon, Markram emphasised that the players’ focus will only be on helping South Africa win matches, with possible franchise contracts only a welcome bonus.
“Some guys are in the auction and there could be an element of that tied to the series, that they want to do well and impress and maybe get an opportunity to go or come back to IPL. But it’s definitely not the main reason that we are here,” he said.
“We’re lucky to have this series here, with the World Cup around the corner in February in India. That’s where all the focus is. So if the team does well, naturally a couple of individuals will benefit from that.”
Published on Dec 08, 2025
