The first T20I of India’s five-match series against South Africa will be played on Tuesday, December 9, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
After the Tests and ODIs were such exciting spectacles, fans are eager to see what the T20Is have in store. It is worth noting that these two teams met in the T20 World Cup final in 2024, with India winning in the final over.
While the Indian team has multiple game changers, South African skipper Aiden Markram is worried of Abhishek Sharma‘s impact at the top of the order. The former praised Abhishek as a match-winner and hoped his bowlers could eliminate him cheaply.
“I’ve played with Abhi before at Sunrisers, a great guy and bats really well, so no doubt it’s a big wicket for us. Whoever takes the new ball, that’s a challenge to hopefully get him early. He is a match-winner, and it’s an important wicket for us,” Markram said on the eve of their five-match T20I series opener at the Barabati Stadium.
Markram believes that Abhishek is the perfect example of a modern-day batter, as he is unafraid of taking risks because he has been given the license to take the attack to the bowlers from ball one.
“It’s probably just the fearlessness, being given complete licence to take the game on from ball one. Some players you almost just want them to spread their wings and take the game on. If they come off, the team is in a really strong position. The game is moving in that direction. The younger guys coming through naturally are playing that way because that’s entertainment but it’s also opportunities for them to get into leagues and play T20 cricket for their country. They end up doing some really cool things.”
Some guys are in the auction and there could be an element of wanting to impress: Aiden Markram
Markram admitted that with the IPL 2026 mini-auction set to be held on December 16, some South African players will be looking to impress and get hired. However, he asserted that the main focus is on winning the series, and individual performances will eventually get their rewards.
“Some guys are in the auction and there could be an element of wanting to impress. But that’s definitely not the main reason we’re here. If the team does well, naturally individuals benefit and that’s the extra bonus,” Markram explained.
South Africa have not been in great form in T20 cricket ever since the World Cup final in June last year. They have encountered bilateral series defeats to West Indies, India, Australia and Pakistan, yet Markram said the core approach will remain the same.
“No extra plans, I guess. It’s T20 cricket, it’s an entertaining format and that’s the brand we want to play. We want guys to free themselves up, enjoy the game, let their best skills be on show.”
India
