Aiden Markram has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s unbeaten T20 World Cup 2026 campaign so far. Batting at the top of the order, the Proteas skipper has amassed 268 runs in seven innings at a very handsome strike-rate of 175.16, including three half-centuries.

On the eve of South Africa’s semifinal clash against New Zealand in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Markram opened up about his prolific run, saying that he had to train his mind to shut the "captain" in him every time he went out to bat.

"It's something that I have fought with a lot over the years. Just being the batter while you're out there batting. But I think you as the captain always want to get the team over the line, and maybe because of that, you don't put all your focus into actually, just watching the ball and reacting and playing," Markram said in the pre-match press conference.

"But yeah, the little bit I've learned now from the T20 World Cup and the more recent months is to make a proper effort to separate the two," he added.

"If you do your job as a batter for the team, ultimately, it will contribute, hopefully, in a winning cause. And that's where I try to keep the focus," he continued.

Talking about his approach in the powerplay, Markram said: "You don't really have a choice. You have to get on with things and take the game to the opposition and try to get the team off to a really strong power play."

If he is around post powerplay, Aiden Markram’s mindset to bat with attacking intent remains.

"I've just tried to not think anything besides the fact that try to win those first six overs, and then if you're still in from there, keep doing that, of course, keep trying to take the game on.

"But you you can probably be a little bit smart in that period after the power play. So, yeah, you take it on. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it reflects and looks quite nice."

South Africa boast an incredible record under Markram's captaincy in T20 World Cups so far, having lost only the final of the 2024 edition to India in Barbados.

"I suppose, been very fortunate to lead a really strong team - great mix of some younger guys with a lot of experience and the older guys.

"And yeah, you feed off the senior guys in the team. You lean on them a lot, and they help guide you and lead you when you have a few doubts.

"And I think because of that, and a really strong group of players over the years, we've developed that, and fortunately, it reflects well, but yeah, it's definitely a reflection on the group as a whole," Markram said.

Having followed the India versus West Indies Super 8 fixture, Markram believes that the black soil tracks at the Eden Gardens will produce another high-scoring contest.

"It looks pretty good again. So think it's the darker soil." Markram had proven to be New Zealand's nemesis in the group stage game in Ahmedabad where he smashed 86 off just 44 balls in a chase of 176.

Asked if he is expecting a repeat of that performance, the Proteas skipper said: "I wish cricket is that easy. New Zealand is a quality team. We had a good run out against them in the group stages, but yeah, both teams have played a lot of cricket since then, and it's a completely fresh start tomorrow, and it being a semifinal, is exciting as well.

"So I don't think it's as straightforward as just being able to repeat that again, a lot of variables in this game. We will try bring our best game to the front again."

When enquired if the 'law of averages' could catch up with them, Markram wasn't amused one bit.

"Yeah, I don't know how it's going to work out tomorrow night. None of us do, but you can look at it through various different lenses. You want to look at it through that, then I don't think you'd be a very clever man if you sitting in our change room," he replied.

(With PTI Inputs)