NEW DELHI: South Africa’s T20I captain Aiden Markram underlined the value of Abhishek Sharma’s wicket, saying the young Indian opener represents the fearless and ultra-attacking style that has reshaped the format.
Having shared a dressing room with Abhishek at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Markram acknowledged the impact the left-hander can make.
“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,” he said on the eve of the five-match T20I series opener at the Barabati Stadium.
“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.”
AIDEN MARKRAM ON ABHISHEK SHARMA.
I have played with Abhishek Sharma at Hyderabad. He is a nice, great guy. I can’t reveal the plans we have for him, hopefully we will stop him from scoring big. He is a match winner boy. pic.twitter.com/C2iMYrrum9
— Danish (@BhttDNSH100) December 8, 2025
Younger batsmen redefining T20 approach
Markram said the modern T20 landscape is being shaped by young players who see constant aggression as freedom, entertainment, and a genuine route to opportunity. He believes many emerging batters view attacking intent as their natural first gear.
“It’s probably just the fearlessness — being given complete license to take the game on from ball one,” he said.
“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.”
He added that the new generation is instinctively tuned to high-impact cricket.
“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.”
Auction close, but focus stays on series
With the IPL auction set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, Markram — retained by Lucknow Super Giants — admitted that players may look to impress, but maintained that the upcoming World Cup remains the real priority.
“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.”
South Africa, last year’s T20 World Cup runners-up, have struggled in bilaterals since then, losing to West Indies, India, Australia and Pakistan. But Markram insisted there will be no change in their intent.
“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.”
“Tomorrow is the start of a new series. We haven’t selected the final XI just yet, we need a few more discussions and then we’ll come to that.”
Return of Nortje a major lift
South Africa will draw confidence from their past results at the venue, having won both matches played here, and Markram expects it to help some players settle early. He also welcomed the return of pace spearhead Anrich Nortje, who last played at the T20 World Cup final.
“It’s great to have him back. Whenever a bowler can bowl as quick as he does, it’s a boost to any team,” Markram said.
With injuries opening doors for fresh faces, he believes the fast-bowling group is steadily expanding.
“Our fast-bowling stock is growing… The guys will be excited and I’m sure they’ll give 100 per cent.”
Markram anticipates batting-friendly conditions and heavy scoring through the series.
“You expect the wickets to be pretty good and the games to be high-scoring. If not, we adapt out there in the middle. Tomorrow is an important start and hopefully we can get off on a good note,” he signed off.
(With PTI Inputs)
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