Hyderabad, April 5 (NationPress) In anticipation of the upcoming match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday, all-rounder Aiden Markram discussed the intricacies of franchise cricket and his team’s preparations. As a vital member of LSG, Markram expressed his views on the intense competition of the IPL and emphasized the significance of establishing appropriate targets, stating that one should maintain an open mindset and refrain from imposing a “ceiling on anything.”

Commenting on the essence of franchise cricket, Markram recognized that this format demands players to remain alert and focused constantly. “Indeed, it is somewhat different. However, having played a significant amount of cricket, we have a good understanding of what is expected and how things function here,” Markram remarked.

He pointed out, however, that the IPL is among the most formidable tournaments to participate in. “This tournament presents a very high level of competition, and you must be fully engaged in every game. It can be exhausting towards the end, but each match is truly thrilling to be part of,” he added.

A crucial element of LSG’s strategy this season involves determining the right score, particularly in a format where large totals are becoming more prevalent. Markram acknowledged the shifting landscape of T20 cricket, wherein high scores are not merely the product of favorable batting conditions or flat pitches.

“You need to approach it with an open mind, especially these days. We see players achieving enormous scores, and I believe it’s essential to avoid setting limitations,” Markram stated, underscoring how contemporary cricket continually challenges boundaries.

He noted that the onus of establishing a solid foundation for a satisfactory total lies with the openers, who must evaluate conditions and communicate effectively. “Assessing the situation upfront is primarily the responsibility of us openers, and we need to convey what we consider a good score,” Markram explained. “Nowadays, you can aim for 180-190 on a challenging wicket, and teams still manage to surpass 200 while chasing. It can be complicated to gauge, but ultimately, you aim to take the game forward and hopefully achieve substantial scores,” he remarked.

When asked about the distinction between opening and batting at No. 3, Markram elaborated on how the approach varies, while also expressing his preference for the top order. “There is a slight difference, I believe. Opening provides a clearer expectation upfront regarding how they will approach you. At number three, after a few overs, situations may unfold differently than anticipated,” Markram shared.

He also mentioned that he enjoys the role of an opener, as it allows him to play a crucial role in establishing the innings' pace. “I relish opening. I enjoy being in the top three, particularly in this format. It’s gratifying to spend more time out there in the middle,” he added.

As LSG aims to recover in IPL 2026, Markram underscored the necessity for the batting lineup to take responsibility, especially concerning their bowling attack. He stressed the importance of the batting unit owning their performance to enable the team to capitalize on its strengths.

“You want to involve all the bowlers, especially in a competition where batters tend to find it a bit easier. Thus, getting them all into the game is crucial,” Markram stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive team effort.

He highlighted that for LSG to deploy five effective bowlers, the top-order batsmen must shoulder the burden of runs. “For us, the only way to achieve that is for the top six or seven to take charge and score the majority of runs, which then allows us to field five quality bowlers,” he explained.

Markram clarified that while the duty of accumulating runs doesn’t impose extra pressure, the team must remain cognizant of the structure and understand the equilibrium they need to maintain. “So, I don’t believe it adds additional pressure on us, but being aware of it and comprehending how the team is structured is essential,” he concluded.