- By Gurmeet Batra
- Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India vs South Africa 1st T20I: South Africa captain Aiden Markram oozed calm yet confidence ahead of the first T20I in Cuttack, acknowledging that India remains a challenging opponent despite the absence of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Markram revealed that the Proteas have revamped their approach to cater for the demands of the T20 format, which he thinks requires a distinct mindset, contrasting with their recent success in Test cricket.
"It's great that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not part of the T20I side, but still it's a great Indian team. 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," Markram said ahead of the series opener in the pre-match presser.
Markram said modern T20 batting is being operated by youngsters who see bombarding definition as both entertainment and prospect.
"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," he said.
Markram stated that the modern generation is unpretentiously inclined toward 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," Markram said.
Markram said individuals may try to impress, but the World Cup in February remains the true direction.
"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 said.