Aiden Markram Reacts To Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Absence From SA T20I Series

The South African captain acknowledged the missing stars but called India a “great” team ahead of the T20I series.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram said it was “great” that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are absent for the upcoming T20I series against India. He made the remark at a pre-series press conference in Cuttack.

Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 Internationals after the 2024 World Cup final against South Africa. The pair were influential in India’s 2-1 ODI series win over the Proteas just concluded, scoring heavily.

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Aiden Markram Focuses on Team’s Bowling Strength

Markram elaborated on his short answer about the Indian legends. “It’s great that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not part of the T20I side, but still it’s a great Indian team,” Markram said.

He declined to share specific tactics for the series. “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,” he said.

South Africa’s pace attack has been strengthened by the return of Anrich Nortje. Markram said the team would rely on him, Lungi Ngidi, and Corbin Bosch.

“Our fast-bowling stock is growing… The guys will be excited and I’m sure they’ll give 100 per cent… 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,” Markram concluded.