It has been a relief for me the way last 8-12 months have gone: Aiden Markram

South African cricketer Aiden Markram recently opened up on his experiences that have gone by in international cricket as well as IPL. Markram talked about how the soil of UAE has turned to be lucky for him since he led the U-19 South Africa team to a World Cup title and therefore, he is the only SA captain to unlock this milestone at any level. Seven years after winning the U-19 WC title, Markram got his first experience of IPL with Punjab Kings.

After the IPL 2021, he endured a successful run in the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE where South Africa just slipped from the semi-final berth. Though the white-ball cricket hasn’t been very kind to him, Markram is satisfied with how things have unfolded for him in the last 8-12 months.

“I still feel there is quite a long way for me to go in white-ball cricket. It is about growing and developing, but it has been a bit of relief for me the way the last eight-to-12 months have gone on a personal note,” said Markram told IOL Sport.

I have got a lot of backing from the selectors and the coach: Aiden Markram

However, the Protean feels that he still has a long way to go in the limited-overs format. He was only 23 when he was burdened with the responsibility of SA captaincy in a home ODI series against India and it had an adverse effect on his career. His talent was not in question but it was all about timing and role definition, reckoned Markram.

“I have got a lot of backing from the selectors and the coach, but I wasn’t giving them much ammo to fight with. I am glad that it’s gone alright since then and now it’s about taking the game to the next level to take the team over the line,” he added.

It has to be noted that the 27-year-old is now ranked in the top six T20 batters in the world owing to a bunch of sparkling innings in the last 12 months.