IPL: Aiden Markram finds groove by sticking to own script

By SABC Sport
13th April 2025

In a league where big hits and fireworks dominate the highlights reel, Aiden Markram is carving his own path - one that doesn't involve trying to copy teammates Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) opener had a sluggish start to IPL 2025, but he's now humming along nicely with scores of 58, 47, and 53 in his last three outings. His consistency at the top has helped LSG notch up three straight wins - a sign that his steady rise is more than just a blip.

After being named Player of the Match in Saturday's victory over the Gujarat Titans, Markram was honest about the early jitters and how a tweak in mindset - not technique - helped him bounce back.

"You want to hit the ground running in a tournament like this," he admitted. "But it took a few games to find rhythm, especially after a role change. Opening gives you full freedom, but it also demands clarity. It didn't click at first, but sticking to my strengths has paid off."

Those "strengths" don't involve belting sixes at will like teammates Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh - both known for their explosive hitting. And while the temptation to emulate their power-packed style is real, Markram knows that imitation isn't always the sincerest form of success.

"Schedules are hectic, conditions change fast - it's easy to get swept into thinking you need to keep up with the big hitters," he said. "But ultimately, you've got to back your game. Six-hitting might not be my thing, but I know how to build an innings and anchor the chase. That's my value."

It's a lesson in self-awareness, one that many batters lose sight of in a format that celebrates boundary bashing. Early in the season, Markram considered retooling his approach to match his power-hitting peers but quickly realized it was a trap.

"It's easy to get caught up trying to be something you're not, especially when you're watching guys like Pooran clear boundaries for fun," he reflected. "But it's about playing your role. If that helps the team and earns you a spot, that's enough."

Against Gujarat, with Marsh sitting out due to a family emergency, Rishabh Pant stepped up to open alongside Markram, and the duo stitched together a vital 65-run partnership in just over six overs. Pooran, as usual, picked up the baton and sprinted away - blistering 3 sixes off 4 balls against a bold tactical ploy from GT, who introduced left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore to exploit the longer boundary. Pooran turned the trap into target practice.

"It was one of those match-ups you back yourself in," Pooran said. "I knew the big side was there, but sometimes you've got to be brave. Thankfully, today was my day."

As LSG continues to ride a winning wave, what's emerging is a versatile top order where each player sticks to what they do best - whether it's anchoring, accelerating, or annihilating. And in that mix, Markram's clarity might just be as crucial as Pooran's power.