South Africa’s T20I captain Aiden Markram added that the upcoming series against India, starting on November 8, should not be taken as a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, despite both teams facing each other for the first time since the final in Barbados. Markram said that the Proteas are not approaching the series with any revenge mindset; instead, they are focusing on playing against India at home.

During the pre-match press conference, Markram said, “I don’t think it’s the focus. But, as we all know, things like the auction, especially for a big tournament like the IPL, a lot of things can fall into place for players. We are fortunate to be playing a series against them, pretty much just before the auction. It happens so. That would pretty much be the bonus of doing well, firstly, collectively, and then for the individuals to put their hands up. I don’t think it’s the motivation to do well, but I think it’s a bonus that potentially could follow.”

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“The same countries, I guess. But, like you mentioned, the personnel has changed for both teams. It’s always an exciting series when you play against India, at home. That’s a series we have always look forward to. We haven’t addressed anything about it being a revenge match or things like that. A lot of talk and promotions have happened through that lens, which is also something that I completely understand,” Markram again added.

This series will be the first encounter between the two teams since the T20 World Cup final, although both teams will look quite different from the ones that played for the title. South Africa will miss key players like Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, and wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who were the key in their World Cup campaign. India’s squad also has notable absences like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja who all have retired from the T20 format as well.