South Africa’s T20I captain Aiden Markram has stated that the narrow defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final was a tough pill to swallow. He, however, added that getting some time away from the match has helped him handle the situation in a better manner. However, the Proteas were in a dominant position to win the 2024 T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June
29. Chasing 177, they were at 151-4 after 16 overs. However, India bounced back and emerged victorious by seven runs as well.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the T20I series against West Indies, Markram said, “I should give it as much time as it needs. It was a tough one to swallow at the time. Definitely since then till now, it’s got a bit better to handle; to deal with and to process and put to bed,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “Luckily I was able to take some time to get away from the game, get away from cricket conversations that would spark the discussion once again. It was nice to get away from that and to reset. Each individual processes it pretty much to themselves. Probably the most important thing is making sure you’re at peace with how it all ended. So that you can move on and move forward.”
However, Aiden Markram was dismissed for 4 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final whereas Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27) put South Africa on a better stage. His dismissal saw a shocking batting collapse as the Proteas finished on 169-8. He also played under Temba Bavuma’s leadership in the Tests against West Indies as well and is now back as captain for the T20Is.
“It’s not a hell of a big deal for me. The decision-makers, especially from a white-ball point of view, remain consistent. That allows for continuity in the team. Faces will change and squads will change, but it’s important that we keep driving a consistent message to the guys and making sure that they feel backed as players. And that whatever they bring to the table is good enough for us as a team. So, it’s not too complicated. You take on whatever you get given and you try to make the absolute best of it and see where it gets you,” Aiden Markram concluded.
