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In IPL 2025, the opening combination of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh scored 574 runs in 12 innings, the second-most in the season. Against Delhi Capitals, Markram came to bat at no.3 to accommodate captain Rishabh Pant at the top.
Lucknow Super Giants' Aiden Markram in action in IPL 2026. (REUTERS)Aiden Markram has set his preferences right, stating he enjoys opening the batting, especially in the shortest format of the game, after being dropped down the order against Delhi Capitals in their ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) opener. Markram, who forged a successful opening partnership with Mitchell Marsh for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), was dropped to no.3 in order to accommodate Rishabh Pant at the top.
With every delivery a challenge for batters in T20s, opening the batting gives an individual a more time and a license to know exactly what the opposition is thinking upfront, something that the South African agreed to. When asked about the difference between opening the batting and at no.3, Markram admitted "there is a slight difference."
“Naturally, opening, you kind of know exactly what to expect upfront, how they're going to attack you,” Markram to the broadcasters just before LSG's away game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. “At number three some 3-4 overs into the innings, some things pan out and maybe you don't get quite what you expected,” added the right-handed explosive batter.
Although Markram enjoys batting in the top three, he inclined towards the opening position. “But, I enjoy opening. I enjoy top three, especially in this format of the game. I think it's nice to try to bat as much as you can out there in the middle,” added Markram.
The Markram-Marsh duo was the second-most successful opening pair in IPL 2025, with 574 runs in 12 innings together, including one hundred-plus stand and four fifty-plus stands. With Pant opening the batting, it certainly disrupted the opening combination.
Should Rishabh Pant bat at No.3?
Opening the innings sgainst Delhi Capitals, Pant could manage just seven runs before being run out in the most unluckiest manner. Although the LSG skipper called his batting position at the top a “50-50 call”, but confirmed that he will bat in the top three. Pant had opened the innings for LSG only once in IPL when Marsh was unavailable.
It must be noted that Pant had not opened in T20s since November 2022. Former South African skipper Faf du Plessis felt that Pant should bat at one down to maximise his impact in the shortest format. "Maybe there is an opportunity for Pant to bat at number three," Du Plessis had said in JioStar.
"The numbers suggest that for him to be the best player he can be, number three looks good. I see him batting at number three for LSG this season with Nicholas Pooran sliding down to number four.
“Looking at LSG's 2026 auction and their strategy around who they signed, you look at that top-heavy batting line-up - Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Pooran are the main ones alongside Pant,” he added.
Where will Rishabh Pant bat vs SRH?
After winning the toss at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Pant was asked at what position he would come out to bat, the LSG captain chose to keep everyone guessing. “We'll see, we'll see,” said Pant after a brief pause.
Catch the live updates from IPL 2026 with the complete IPL 2026 Schedule and the IPL 2026 Points Table. Also, know who are currently leading the charts in IPL 2026 Orange Cap and IPL 2026 Purple Cap.
About the Author
Koushik Paul
Koushik lives and breathes sports. After transitioning from his own aspirations of becoming a professional athlete, he successfully channeled that lifelong passion into a prolific career, documenting the action both from the sidelines and the editorial desk. With over eight years of industry experience, Koushik joined LiveMint as a Deputy Chief Content Producer in 2024, following impactful stints at Outlook India, India.com, Sportskeeda, Women’s CricZone, and OrissaPOST. A 2017 Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from Maharaja Manindra Chandra College, Kolkata, Koushik has reported on high-profile events including the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017, Ranji Trophy, FIH Pro League, FIH World League finals, the Indian Premier League, and Lionel Messi’s historic visit to Kolkata in 2025. <br><br> While he possesses a versatile command over all sports, he finds his niche in cricket, specializing in breaking news, long-form interviews, global sporting updates, and high-energy live blogs. Koushik’s professional perspective was further sharpened through the 2020 AIPS Young Reporters Programme, where he gained invaluable insights from renowned international journalists, including Keir Radnedge and Riccardo Romani from the United Kingdom, and Martin Mazur from Argentina. Currently based between Kolkata and Delhi, Koushik remains at the forefront of the breaking developments that shape the public sporting discourse. When he isn't tracking scores or deconstructing plays, he can be found exploring new landscapes on his travels or channeling his creative energy into the kitchen. <br><br> If you have a compelling story to share or know an individual who deserves the spotlight, please reach out via email at <a href="koushik.paul@htdigital.in">koushik.paul@htdigital.in</a>.
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