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Aiden Markram 'relieved' by Rohit and Kohli's T20I absence: "It's great they are not there"

Rajgeeta Yadav

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

India and South Africa are set to clash in a five-match T20I series starting December 9. This series is special because it will be the first time the two teams meet in T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win. India, however, will be without two of their biggest stars - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from the format after lifting the trophy.

On the eve of the first match, South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram openly admitted that Rohit and Kohli’s absence does ease the pressure on his team. 

South Africa captain opens up ahead of 1st T20I

Speaking in Cuttack, Markram said he felt “relieved” not to face the legendary pair but warned that India still have more than enough talent to pose a strong challenge.

Markram explained that South Africa have come prepared with “fresh strategies” for the fast-paced T20 format, which he says requires a completely different mindset from Test cricket. He added that the Proteas want to play fearless, attacking cricket.

"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. 

"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."

South Africa may have reached the T20 World Cup final last year, but their performance in bilateral T20 series since then has been poor. They lost back-to-back series against West Indies, India, Australia and Pakistan. Still, Markram insisted that the team is not changing its basic approach and wants to start this tour with a fresh mindset.

Interestingly, South Africa has a perfect record in Cuttack, they have won both previous matches played at the Barabati Stadium. Markram believes this bit of history could give some of his players extra confidence heading into the opening game.

India and South Africa will play their five T20Is across different venues: Cuttack on December 9, Mullanpur on December 11, Dharamsala on December 14, Lucknow on December 17, and the final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.