The opening batsman has rapidly risen to prominence, leading from the front with his stellar performances
The opening batsman has rapidly risen to prominence over the last few years, displaying immense potential to become a future great for his country. At 28, with stellar domestic performances and strong showings for the national team, Markram is a player that the best Asian bookmakers are surely going to watch closely in the coming years.
It is, therefore, the perfect time to take a look at his career to see if he is still an emerging talent or instead already a veteran demonstrating his expertise.
Early life and domestic career
Hailing from Centurion, Markram grew up surrounded by cricket. His father was a provincial coach and helped nurture his son’s talents from a young age. Markram honed his skills playing junior cricket and represented various provincial youth teams. His precocious ability was evident early on when he was selected for the Under-19 World Cup at just 17.
Markram’s domestic career has been nothing short of sensational. He announced himself by becoming the second-youngest player to score a century on a first-class debut in 2014. His aggressive batting approach and composure led to him amassing over 5 000 first-class runs, including 15 centuries, before his 23rd birthday
International debut and emergence as opening batsman
Markram received his big break when he was named in South Africa’s Test squad in 2017. He impressed in his first Test against Bangladesh, scoring 97 in the second innings in a Man of the Match performance. Showcasing his versatility, he scored another half-century in his very next Test as an opener.
Since his debut, Markram has established himself as a regular at the top of the order for South Africa in Tests. He has built solid partnerships with fellow opener Dean Elgar, providing stability to the batting lineup. According to the top bookmakers in India, some of his best Test knocks include 125 against India and 143 against Pakistan in 2018.
Leadership and captaincy
Markram’s leadership abilities were evidenced when he was surprisingly appointed captain of the South African T20I and ODI teams in 2018 at just 23 years old. Taking over the reins from Faf du Plessis, Markram showed a maturity beyond his age to lead the Proteas.
Known for his calm and composed demeanor, Markram leads by example on the field. He believes in leading from the front with his own performances, exemplified by scoring a century in just his second ODI as captain. Off the field, he takes time to chat with players individually and understand their needs.
As captain, Markram brings an attacking mindset and a positive approach to the game. He encourages aggression and risk-taking from his players. Instead of tentative cricket, he motivates the team to play with freedom and embrace their natural styles.
Looking ahead
At just 28, Markram’s career seems to be just beginning. His technique, shot range, and temperament make him a formidable talent. With improvements against spin and maintaining consistency, he could potentially go on to become one of South Africa’s batting greats. Even the main betting agent for Asian bookmakers expects many more brilliant performances from this rising star.
The rapid rise of Markram in South African cricket has been remarkable. His stellar domestic showings and early international success have shown glimpses of a special talent. If Markram can fulfill his immense potential, he could become a future legend for South Africa. The future looks exceedingly bright for the prodigious young opening batsman.