With Marsh and Pooran getting out early, I thought that brought best out of him: Mark Boucher on Aiden Markram

ANI April 20, 2025 146 views

Mark Boucher believes Aiden Markram flourished as LSG's senior batter after Mitchell Marsh left the squad. His crucial 66-run knock against RR showcased his leadership under pressure. LSG won the thriller by 2 runs, with Markram being their highest scorer this season. Boucher praised Markram's natural ability to anchor innings when the team needs him most.

"Aiden is a natural leader... it almost forces his hand, which brings the best out of him" - Mark Boucher via ESPNcricinfo
New Delhi April 20: Former South Africa wicketkeeper/batter Mark Boucher believed that Aiden Markram stepped up as a senior player after Marsh left the team for personal reasons.

Key Points

1

Markram scored 66 off 45 as LSG's top scorer

2

Boucher links Marsh's absence to Markram's leadership rise

3

LSG beat RR by 2 runs in thriller

4

Markram has 274 runs in IPL 2025 so far

He felt that Markram's leadership role was further solidified when Marsh and Pooran were dismissed early in the game against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

"I think when Marsh left for personal reasons, that's when Markram sort of came into his own because he almost adopted that 'I'm the senior player here' [position]. And with Marsh and Pooran getting out [early in this game], I thought that brought the best out of him as well," he added.

Boucher believed that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batter Aiden Markram's natural leadership qualities make him a player who steps up in crucial situations.

He said that when the team needs someone to bat through the innings and take calculated risks, Markram takes on the responsibility. This pressure, according to Boucher, often brings out the best in Markram.

"Aiden [Markram] is a natural leader and he is leading South Africa for those reasons as well so when an opportunity like that arises, he'll take it on himself to say, 'Right, I'm the guy who they trust now to bat through the innings and if there's a risk to be taken and a smart risk at that, I'm the guy who'll have to do that'. So it almost forces his hand, which I think sometimes brings the best out of players, certainly brings the best out of Markram." Mark Boucher said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Aiden Markram's 66 runs off 45 balls (5 boundaries and 3 sixes), he was the highest run scorer for LSG in this clash, he has made 274 runs in eight innings so far in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with a big of 66.

A fantastic last over by Avesh Khan helped Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defy some serious hitting by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and stand-in skipper Riyan Parag as Rajasthan Royals (RR) fell short by two runs at their home venue of Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday.

In the current standings, RR is in eighth spot with two wins and six losses, whereas LSG is in fourth spot with five wins and three losses.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
Markram has been so consistent this season! His leadership under pressure is exactly what LSG needed. That 66 was clutch 👏
S
Sarah M.
While I agree Markram played well, I think Boucher is giving him too much credit. The real hero was Avesh Khan in that last over - that's what sealed the game!
R
Rahul P.
Markram's innings was pure class! But can we talk about how RR keeps choking in close matches? They need to work on their finishing skills.
T
Tina L.
Love seeing players step up when the team needs them most! This is why IPL is so exciting to watch - you never know who's going to be the hero each match 🎉
A
Amit S.
As a South African fan, it's great to see our players doing well in the IPL. Markram has really grown into a proper leader - hope he brings this form to the national team too!
P
Priya N.
That match had me on the edge of my seat! 2-run victory is always nerve-wracking. Both teams played well, but LSG just had that extra bit of composure when it mattered.

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Tags:
Aiden Markram Mark Boucher Mitchell Marsh IPL 2025 Lucknow Super Giants Rajasthan Royals cricket
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