I'm very grateful to be retained by Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram

Published - 18 Nov 2025, 10:01 IST | Updated - 18 Nov 2025, 10:29 IST

South Africa's T20 captain, Aiden Markram, said that he had enjoyed his time with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) last year in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The right-handed batter forged a successful opening partnership with Mitchell Marsh during the campaign. He finished with 445 runs in 13 matches at an average of 34.23 and a strike rate of 148.83.

On November 15, the last date for franchises to announce their retentions and releases, LSG opted to continue having Markram in their setup. The 31-year-old expressed his gratitude to the Lucknow-based franchise for retaining him and said he is looking forward to another season with Rishabh Pant and Co.

"Yeah, it's great. I really enjoyed my time with the Lucknow franchise last year. I made some really good friendships and enjoyed just a few months together with the squad. So, I'm very grateful to be retained and obviously looking forward to another season with them," Markram said in a video posted by LSG in 'X'.

Markram said that LSG could have reached the playoffs this year had they won a few more crunch moments. The Super Giants finished in seventh place in the standings, with six wins and eight defeats from 14 matches. The Centurion-born hoped that the team would build on the good things they did in IPL 2025 and have a strong campaign next year.

"You have to be really good as a team to do well in the IPL. I don't think we were very far off last season. A couple of moments here and there and a few results would have looked different. Before you know it, you've qualified for the knockout. So, definitely not overcomplicating anything. I think trying to do the things we did well, try to redo those things and win a couple more crunch moments. Before you know it, I think the competition looks really promising for us," Markram explained.

SA legend refutes Gambhir's pitch defence post 1st Test loss

Markram is currently in India with the touring South Africa squad. The opening batter registered scores of 31 and 4 in the first Test at Eden Gardens, which the Proteas won by 30 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.