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"Big wicket for us": Markram acknowledges Abhishek Sharma threat before IND vs SA T20Is

Kaushik Kashyap

Aiden Markram on Abhishek Sharma. [Source - @oxygen18_/BCCI/x.com]Aiden Markram on Abhishek Sharma. [Source - @oxygen18_/BCCI/x.com]

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive rise in T20I cricket has become one of the defining stories of the year. With a remarkable blend of power and consistency, he has reshaped India’s top-order approach, turning every innings into a statement of intent and dominance.

As India prepares for a high-stakes five-match series against South Africa starting on Tuesday, December 9th, even opposition captain Aiden Markram acknowledges the threat Abhishek poses. After amassing 756 runs at a staggering average of 47.25 and a strike rate nearing 200, he enters the contest as the most watched, and most feared batter on the field.

Markram hints at secret plans for Abhishek Sharma ahead of 1st T20I

On the eve of the first T20I, Markram was asked about the rise and influence of Abhishek Sharma. With the young Indian opener dominating global headlines, his name surfaced early in the pre-match press conference, including queries about whether South Africa had a plan for someone so dangerous at the top.

“I cannot give away the secret (plans for Abhishek) away. I have played with Abhi before at Sunrisers Hyderabad. A great guy and bats really well, so no doubt it is a big wicket for us,” Markram said.

The 31-year-old acknowledged that preparing for Abhishek is now a crucial part of opposition planning. He seemed to note how the left-hander’s fearlessness and rapid scoring inside the powerplay can instantly shift momentum, making it a big challenge for the new ball bowlers.

“Whoever takes the new ball, that is a challenge to hopefully get him early. He is a match-winner and it is an important wicket for us,” Markram added.

And without a doubt, Abhishek has been a serious new-ball destroyer, hammering nearly 500 T20I runs in the powerplay at a strike rate of 200 this year. He now enters the series after a strong Australia tour and over 300 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy runs at a 249 strike-rate, seeking to extend his superb form.

Notably Abhishek struggled when India toured South Africa last year, scoring only 97 runs in four T20Is and falling inside the powerplay three times. Markram hinted they will lean on those plans and past success, with Barabati Stadium being a venue where the Proteas have won two out of two T20Is against India till date.