Published By: Saksham Mishra

Aiden Markram's newfound touch

Aiden Markram had been hit or miss for the last few years but has got his touch back now.

The premature crowning

It was a gutsy move when South Africa named Aiden Markram their captain within matches of the young batter making it to the team.

It appeared that they wanted to do a similar thing as they did with Graeme Smith when the batter was given the captaincy of a young side at just 19 and went on to do a terrific job while also scoring a bucket load of runs for the team.

However, the responsibility did not sit well on the shoulders of Aiden Markram and he soon lost his form with the bat and had to give away the captaincy as well.

Regaining touch

In recent times, Aiden Markram has regained his touch which saw him become a permanent part of the South African team across formats and also make it to the IPL which is a big deal given that he is a specialist overseas batter.

"I've never tried to ignore my insecurities as a player," Markram says. "I've always felt a sense of self-doubt no matter what level I've played. But I have always had the determination to back myself and to work through the difficult periods. That doubt drives me to be better. When I saw head coach Ottis Gibson' number on my phone the day before the second match, I assumed he was going to ask me to bat at No. 3. I had no idea he wanted me to captain but I didn't hesitate and grabbed it with open arms. Looking back, though, I don't think I was the right person for the job."

Glimpses of brilliance

Makram showed glimpses of what he was capable of even at that young age with some fine hands against India and Australia in Tests. His 152 against Australia in AB de Villiers' last test match was a sublime knock, which the batter rates as his best.

"It was the best innings I've ever played. I've never been a guy who jumps up and celebrates but that meant a lot to me. We need to understand that there is not going to be another AB de Villiers. I'm not the next AB. I can only do things my own way."