South Africa captain Aiden Markram is enjoying his most prolific T20I phase at the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup and he credits a mental shift for the transformation.

For years, Markram admits he struggled to separate his responsibilities as captain from his role as a batter. This tournament, however, he has made a conscious effort to “silence the captain” when he walks out to open the innings.

Markram, who has cemented his place at the top of the order, has amassed 268 runs at a blistering strike rate of 175.16, including three half-centuries. One of those came against New Zealand during the group stage in Ahmedabad.

“It’s something I’ve fought with a lot over the years — just being the batter while you’re out there,” Markram said ahead of South Africa’s semi-final against New Zealand. “As captain, you always want to get the team over the line, and maybe because of that, you don’t put all your focus into just watching the ball and reacting.”

The 30-year-old believes that focusing purely on his batting ultimately serves the team better.

“If you do your job as a batter, it contributes to a winning cause. That’s where I try to keep the focus,” he explained.

Powerplay mindset

Markram’s approach in the powerplay has been uncomplicated — attack from the outset.

“You don’t really have a choice. You have to take the game to the opposition and try to get the team off to a strong start,” he said.

If he survives the first six overs, the plan remains similar, albeit with greater awareness. “You try to win those first six overs, and if you’re still in, keep taking it on. You can be a little smarter after the powerplay, but the intent stays.”

Backed by a strong core

South Africa have flourished in ICC tournaments under Markram’s leadership, their only defeat in a global final coming against India in Barbados in 2024. The skipper attributes the consistency to the balance within the squad.

“I’ve been fortunate to lead a really strong team — a great mix of youth and experience. You lean on the senior guys when you have doubts, and that’s helped build a strong group over the years,” he said.

With the semi-final set to be played at the Eden Gardens, Markram expects a high-scoring contest on the venue’s traditionally darker soil surface.

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“It looks pretty good again,” he said, suggesting conditions could favour the batters.

Markram had previously tormented New Zealand with a rapid 86 off 44 balls in a successful chase of 176 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. But he was quick to dismiss any notion of a repeat performance being guaranteed.

“I wish cricket were that easy,” he laughed. “New Zealand are a quality team. We had a good game against them earlier, but both teams have played a lot since then. A semi-final is a fresh start.”

When asked whether the “law of averages” might catch up with South Africa, Markram brushed it aside with a smile.

“You can look at it through various lenses. But if you’re sitting in our change room thinking like that, you wouldn’t be very clever,” he quipped — making it clear that belief, not doubt, drives the Proteas heading into the knockout clash.