It is time for the Proteas to recognise the gulf between T20 and ODI cricket and adapt their leadership structure with the appointment of Aiden Markram as T20 skipper.
It is time for the Proteas to recognise the gulf between T20 and ODI cricket and adapt their leadership structure with the appointment of Aiden Markram as T20 skipper.
Markram’s management of his resources at the Sunrisers Eastern Cape demonstrates that he would make a great national team leader.
His form in the format is unquestionable, as he has proven to be among the Proteas’ most consistent batters.
Temba Bavuma should remain ODI skipper and might be the man to lead the team in the Test arena if that is not a position that already has Markram’s name on it.
Markram was made franchise captain at the Titans at a young age and his potential as a future leader was always something the national team setup were aware of to the point where nobody would be surprised if he was given the reins of any team.
Since he captained the South African Under-19s to the World Cup in 2014, there has been a belief that Markram could be the man truly anointed to end the Proteas major trophy drought at senior levels.
Markram is now effectively an all-rounder in the T20 format, capable of sneaking in four overs of his off-spin at a decent rate.
Aiden Markram, Take a bow, team 10 for 2 in the Semi-final & he smashed a terrific hundred. pic.twitter.com/YDUxNqDh2t
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 9, 2023
His batting speaks for itself but Markram deserves an opportunity to lead the T20 side to show what he can do when steering the ship.
The Sunrisers were given little chance of victory after assembling what appeared to be an underwhelming collection of overseas professionals.
However, Markram welcomed the signings and lauded their positive impact which may not have been the case had they acquired a swaggery superstar or two.
Whenever a team plays above itself as the Sunrisers have done by winning the SA20, it points to excellent leadership.
With this accolade added to his CV, Markam should be in line for more leadership opportunities either in the national team or foreign franchise leagues.
