NEWS
Follow UsAiden Markram knows how to win a World Cup well, having lifted the Under-19 World Cup in 2014. To date, it remains the only silverware that the Rainbow Nation has won across genders.
Ten years later, Markram has an opportunity to lead a talented South African side to a title with his first stint as captain of the national team. While there is a massive level-up from the U-19 level, the confidence in doing it in the past must put the 29-year-old in good stead.
"There aren't so many eyes watching you in an age-group tournament, and as a youngster you are maybe a bit oblivious to pressure," Markram told AFP in a telephone interview.
"Back then it was just a matter of handling what was in front of you. Now there is a lot more planning and preparation and making sure everyone is in a good space.”
In 2014, Markram was a key member of the setup, scoring 370 runs, averaging a staggering 123.33. Under his leadership, however, the Proteas have just won two games out of eight clashes, all played at home.
"A World Cup is a massive event but I'm fortunate to have been to quite a few so I know what to expect. One thing that hasn't changed is that I'm excited to be part of it," he said.
Only last week, a Markram-less Proteas side were crushed by West Indies in a three-match T20I series away from home in Jamaica. Despite that setback, Markram hopes that South Africa have a good team to compete at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
"We've got a good team," he said.
One of the big talking points from South Africa’s squad announcement was the selection of Anrich Nortje, who tanked in the recently concluded Indian Premier League. Nortje ended the season with seven wickets while averaging 42 and having an economy rate of 13.36, the worst for any bowler in the season.
"He had a massive injury and a lot of time away from the game but we all back him and know what he can do," said Markram.
Markram last played at the IPL 2024 final in Chennai, before he flew across continents alongside Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen to their training base in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday (May 28) night. South Africa open their campaign against Sri Lanka on June 3 (Monday) at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
"You get used to it," he said of the travel. "It's a reality for a lot of players these days.
"In a way it is quite nice to get straight into training and getting ready for Monday. Sri Lanka have a great T20 team and it's important to get off to a good start."
(With inputs from AFP)
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