Forget about the World Cup, just have fun in the SA20, says Proteas T20I captain Aiden Markram

It’s the festive season, so go out there and have fun. 

That’s the message from Proteas T20I captain Aiden Markram to local players participating in the upcoming Betway SA20 Season 4.

With South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition scheduled just before next year’s ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, there are many who feel the 34-game competition is a virtual trial for the 15-player squad. 

But Markram, in his guise as the new captain of Durban’s Super Giants, erased the pressure and wanted players to express themselves. 

“From a Proteas point of view, the players that are maybe vouching for squad selection, it’s not to think about the World Cup. Absorb this month for what it is, and have as much fun as you can,” Markram said.

“Naturally, when you step on the field, a competitive edge will come through, and I don’t doubt that whatsoever."

Markram will lead DSG into battle in the competition opener against MI Cape Town at Newlands on Boxing Day. The skipper feels he has no scores to settle after losing to MI Cape Town whilst at the helm of Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the final last season and is only looking forward to the new challenge. 

“The calendars are so busy nowadays, it felt like a really long time ago,” he said. 

“Naturally, when your first game is up against the defending champions, you're going to be up for it.

“You want to send a bit of a statement to the rest of the comp, but each and every other team is going to be up for it.”

Markram will certainly have been pleased to hear that Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada has also recovered from the rib-bone stress injury that ruled him out of the recent tour to India. 

Rabada will be back in the blue and gold to lead MI Cape Town’s attack on Boxing Day. 

“I need to be careful. The medical staff is not here, but yeah. What can I say? I feel good,” Rabada chirped. 

“Like Aiden said, it's a lovely time to be playing cricket in South Africa. Yes, the festive season. And the teams are looking really strong.

“And there's going to be some good cricket on display. There's a nice feel-good factor about this tournament. 

“Personally, yeah, I'm back. I'm bowling and keen to get on the field.”

Rabada will join up with his new-ball partner Trent Boult again with coach Robin Peterson holding to the core of his 2025 championship-winning squad. The 30-year-old feels the stability within the squad, unlike their competitors who have virtually overhauled their entire squads, will play a big role going forward.

“Familiarity is a key thing. You need to bond with your teammates,” Rabada said. “The synergy goes a long way. It’s proven to be a successful value for MI across the board.

“Super thrilled the strategy came to life and now we just have to put the finishing touches.”