"I don't think it's the focus" - Aiden Markram on whether South Africa are eyeing India series as an audition for IPL 2025 auctions
South Africa T20I skipper Aiden Markram asserted that his squad are not eyeing the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions during the upcoming four-match T20I series against India. In the past, recency bias has come into play, with several players bursting their way into franchises' wishlist on the back of performances just preceding the auction.
The T20I series between South Africa and India marks the last premier white-ball affair ahead of the IPL auction, scheduled to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs are the only two players, who their respective franchises have retained, while the rest including skipper Aiden Markram are headed for the auction in search of a new contract.
Out of the 1574 players that have registered for the auction, 91 players are from South Africa.
"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," Markram said during the press conference ahead of the series opener in Durban via India Today.
The T20I series continues the road towards the World Cup in 2026 for both sides. South Africa have had a rocky time in the format since their defeat in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, going onto be on the receiving end of a whitewash at the hands of the West Indies as well as a 1-1 draw against Ireland.
"We haven't addressed anything about it being a revenge match or things like that" - Aiden Markram
India and South Africa faced each other not so long ago, in the form of a memorable 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados. On that occasion, the Proteas fell agonizingly short of securing their first World Cup after losing a last-over thriller to the Men in Blue.
Despite the wounds of the loss still arguably less, Markram maintained that the agenda of the forthcoming series is far from revenge.
"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 added.
The last time India toured South Africa for a T20I series, they walked away as 2-1 winners. The Proteas have won 11 T20Is out of 27 matches against the Men in Blue since their first meeting in 2006.