The South African batter Aiden Markram has downplayed speculation surrounding the vacant leadership position at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

He stated that LSG has more captaincy candidates in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The leadership spot has been vacant after Rishabh Pant stepped down in May after the franchise finished at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table.

Pant has been traded to Delhi Capitals (DC) in exchange for left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

While Aiden Markram have experience in leadership roles in the RPSG group’s teams in the SA20 and The Hundred and viewed as a frontrunner for the IPL leadership role. However, he confirmed that the decision rests entirely with management.

“I’ve got no idea. They can decide whatever they think is best. There’s some quality leaders in that group that we have there, so I’m not too fussed about it. Whoever gets it I’m sure will take it on and do a good job, but the thoughts haven’t been there just yet,” said Aiden Markram.

Apart from Aiden Markram, Australia T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh and former West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran are among the potential candidates for leadership roles.

The franchise could also explore options in this year’s IPL mini-auction. Aiden Markram also spoke about his experience of captaining in the 100-ball format and credited England white-ball veteran Jos Buttler for his support.

“It comes with its challenges, but it’s been awesome. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It obviously helps a lot to have guys like Jos (Buttler) around. He’s helped me quite a bit.”

“It’s obviously much quicker, and still the idea of 10 balls from one side (is a challenge). You sometimes think you’ve snuck five in, and you remember there’s still another five to the short side, or whatever it might be. But good fun, great comp, great standard as well, so I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” he added.

“I’ve struggled, but tonight was a bit better. The wicket was obviously good, and when you come across a good wicket and you’re maybe struggling for runs, you get a bit excited, so I was quite keen for tonight, added Aiden Markram.

“(It was) a pity to get out in the moment that I did. It felt like an evening where you could get a really big one for the side and I was quite disappointed to get out when I did, but nice to find a little bit of rhythm and flow and hopefully I can run with that now,” he concluded after their sunday game in The Hundred 2026.