Faf du Plessis Applauds Markram’s Development After LSG Opening Role

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes Aiden Markram has evolved into a better T20 player after his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He said the fast pace of batting in the IPL helped Markram develop a range of attacking shots, which we are now witnessing in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

"I think what was really good in terms of his own game is the [IPL 2025] season where he opened for LSG and the IPL almost demanded that you needed to play in that way in order for you to keep your place. It was obviously the Impact-Sub [rule] and the way the game was moving. As an opener, you couldn't play the old-school way anymore.” said Faf du Plessis.

"So, if you were in that first six [overs] and you didn't do your job by going after the ball, they would get someone else." added Faf du Plessis.

He then explained how different franchise teams around the world continuously look for players who are flexible in the batting order. According to Du Plessis, Markram evolved after understanding this very fact.

"Team managements around T20 circuits around the world and the IPLs, you're looking for versatility around what a guy can do. Can he open? Can he bat 4? So it gives you more options from a selection point of view. But that jump from 4 to 1 or 2 has been great for him because the strike rate is there." said Faf du Plessis.

"The game demands it from you, and if you don't evolve with the game, then you get left behind. So with Aiden, naturally the game has moved that way.” added Faf du Plessis.

The former South African captain is confident that Markram will play a key role for the Proteas in the upcoming matches. He believes the team will bank on his experience to perform well, as his current form in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is remarkable.