New Delhi, February 17 – South Africa’s coaching consultant, Albie Morkel, believes that captain Aiden Markram is a player who consistently performs at his best during high-pressure tournament cricket, adding that he is a strong leader who has earned the respect of the entire team.
Markram had a stellar performance in South Africa's match against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, scoring a rapid 86 off 48 balls, including a 52-ball half-century, which helped his team secure a comfortable victory. Markram has now amassed 150 runs in three innings, with an average of 75 and a strike rate of 179.
Since the start of 2025, Markram has scored 1,557 runs in 48 T20 innings, with an average of 37.1 and a strike rate of 148, including 13 fifties and a century. However, his batting record as captain of South Africa in T20Is has been significantly different.
After going wicketless in his first 33 T20I innings as captain, Markram has scored four half-centuries in his last eight innings, indicating a recent resurgence that coincides with South Africa's strong performance in this competition, with a net run rate of 10.1, the highest among all teams.
"It's a challenging situation," said Morkel, "but Aiden is a player who excels in high-pressure tournament cricket. Most of our players had good performances during the SA20. So, coming into a World Cup with in-form players is important. And, as I mentioned, he knows how to step up when needed."
Morkel also acknowledged the importance of Dewald Brevis, South Africa's explosive batsman, but expressed confidence in Markram's ability to lead the team.
"We see Dewald as an x-factor player. We believe that if we give him a specific role, he might not perform to his full potential. However, he is also a valuable asset who can win us games. So, the best way for us with him is to let him be that guy. We have other players who can step up if needed, but he is definitely our x-factor player."
On the bowling front, Morkel highlighted the versatility and skill of South Africa's seam bowlers, emphasizing the importance of sticking to basics rather than relying on a wide range of variations.
"Look, we've been playing on an Ahmedabad pitch, which has been very conducive to batting. So, as a bowler, you don't have many options. Batsmen these days thrive on hitting sixes. So, the key is to try and restrict them by varying your line and length, and making them unpredictable."
Morkel also discussed the challenges faced by South African bowlers in the death overs, particularly before major tournaments. "Look, our players play the most T20 cricket in South Africa. The pitches there are not always ideal for T20 cricket. Guys often get away with a lot, especially when the conditions are in their favor.
"When you come to other venues, especially during this time of the year when the pitches are still good, your variations and slower balls don't have as much impact. So, it's important to focus on nailing your yorkers. I believe that's a skill that has become less important, not just for us, but for most teams in the world."
Morkel also praised Kagiso Rabada, South Africa's pace spearhead, despite his struggles against New Zealand. "It's not a major concern. Any bowler can have off days, especially in T20 cricket. But he's still our premier fast bowler, and we're backing him.
"So, the best approach is to give him confidence and let him work through his challenges. For a player like him, it's important to accept his performance, move forward, and try to improve in the next game."
In contrast, Lungi Ngidi, another right-arm pacer, has been in excellent form, taking eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.6, and Morkel believes that he is one of the most difficult batsmen to bowl to at the highest level.
"If you look at his T20 record, he's a very successful wicket-taker. He has developed a deceptive slow ball that he knows how to use. I think that's what makes him so effective. He's not someone you can easily predict as a batsman.
"He has good skills with the new ball to swing it and when the pressure is on, he knows how to keep the batsman guessing. So, it's not a lot of talking to him. I think he knows what he's doing. He also understands that sometimes in T20, you can go the other way. But luckily for us, he was in top form in the first two games."
