“Proteas Won’t Be Taking The First T20I Game As The Rematch..”, Says SA Skipper Aiden Markaram

November 8, 2024: Ahead of the exciting T20I series between India and South Africa, Proteas captain Aiden Markram shared his thoughts on the upcoming matches, noting how much his team looks forward to playing against India, particularly at home. This series holds special significance for the South African squad, especially since they are facing India for the first time since their dramatic defeat in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in June, where India clinched the title.

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Markram emphasized that while the previous World Cup match is fresh in the minds of fans and media, the Proteas aren’t viewing the series as a direct “rematch” of that final. Instead, he highlighted that the focus is on the excitement of playing India on home soil, where the atmosphere and support from local fans will add a unique energy to the matches. He noted that both teams have changed personnel since the World Cup, and the focus will be on this new chapter rather than rehashing past defeats.

The T20 series, beginning on November 8, will be played across four venues in South Africa: Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban, St George’s Park in Gqeberha, SuperSport Park in Centurion, and Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. This gives the Proteas an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of their home crowd, making it a thrilling encounter.

South Africa’s Squad:

• Aiden Markram (captain)
• Ottneil Baartman
• Gerald Coetzee
• Donovan Ferreira
• Reeza Hendricks
• Marco Jansen
• Heinrich Klaasen
• Patrick Kruger
• Keshav Maharaj
• David Miller
• Mihlali Mpongwana
• Nqaba Peter
• Ryan Rickelton
• Andile Simelane
• Lutho Sipamla (available for the 3rd and 4th T20Is)
• Tristan Stubbs

India’s T20I Squad:

• Suryakumar Yadav
• Abhishek Sharma
• Sanju Samson
• Rinku Singh
• Tilak Varma
• Jitesh Sharma
• Hardik Pandya
• Axar Patel
• Ramandeep Singh
• Varun Chakaravarthy
• Ravi Bishnoi
• Arshdeep Singh
• Vijaykumar Vyshak
• Avesh Khan
• Yash Dayal

The series promises to be a compelling one, with both teams eager to make their mark and prove their mettle. For India, a chance to continue their winning ways after the World Cup victory, and for South Africa, an opportunity to assert themselves on home turf and bounce back after the World Cup final defeat.