IND vs SA 2025: 'Abhishek Sharma is a match-winner, will want to get him out early' - Aiden Markram ahead of T20Is

The first T20I of the five-match series between India and South Africa is set to be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9. After the Tests and ODIs proved to be riveting spectacles, fans are waiting to see what the T20Is have to offer. It is important to note that these two teams met in the T20 World Cup final in 2024, when India emerged victorious in the last over.

While there are several game changers in the Indian team, South African captain Aiden Markram is wary of the kind of impact Abhishek Sharma can have at the top of the order. The former hailed Abhishek as a match-winner and hoped that his bowlers would be able to dismiss 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: 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.

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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."