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New Delhi: As top-ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma could decide course of matches very quickly, South Africa would be very keen to dismiss him quickly in their five-match series against India, beginning in Cuttack on Tuesday.
The left hander’s fearless, ultra-aggressive style of batting sends bowlers on a leatherhunt and shapes outcome of contests within a short period of time.
South Africa T20I captain Aiden Markram knows the danger Sharma poses, having seen him from close quarters when they were team-mates at Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
"I've played with Abhi before at Sunrisers, a great guy and bats really well, so no doubt it's a big wicket for us," he said before their series opener in Cuttack at the Barabati Stadium.
"Whoever takes the new ball, that's a challenge to hopefully get him early. He is a match-winner and it's an important wicket for us."
Modern T20 batting is led by youngsters who prefers only one way of batting, to hit every ball out of sight. Markram explained this thought process as a way of expression for the young guns and penchant to play high-impact cricket.
"It's probably just the fearlessness -- being given complete licence to take the game on from ball one," he said.
"Some players you almost just want them to spread their wings and take the game on. If they come off, the team is in a really strong position. The game is moving in that direction.
"The younger guys coming through naturally are playing that way because that's entertainment but it's also opportunities for them to get into leagues and play T20 cricket for their country. They end up doing some really cool things."
Even though IPL’s auction is on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, Markram, who has been retained by Lucknow Super Giants, said focus of players is on the World Cup in February.
Markram said South Africa’s approach won’t change even after losing to West Indies, India, Australia and Pakistan in bilateral series since finishing runners-up at last year’s T20 World Cup.
"Some guys are in the auction and there could be an element of wanting to impress. But that's definitely not the main reason we're here. If the team does well, naturally individuals benefit and that's the extra bonus,” the right-hand batter said.
"No extra plans, I guess. It's T20 cricket, it's an entertaining format and that's the brand we want to play. We want guys to free themselves up, enjoy the game, let their best skills be on show.
"Tomorrow is the start of a new series. We haven't selected the final XI just yet, we need a few more discussions and then we'll come to that."
