Aiden Markram, 23, has been named South African captain for the remaining five one-day internationals against India, starting with the second game at SuperSport Park on Sunday. Markram takes over from regular captain Faf du Plessis, who suffered a broken right index finger during India's six-wicket win in the first match in Durban on Thursday.
Markram will be South Africa's youngest captain since Graeme Smith was appointed on a long-term basis at the age of 22 in 2003. Convener of selectors Linda Zondi said Markram's appointment was in line with a policy to develop young leaders in the squad. "It is unfortunate that we have to do this because of an injury to Faf but this is an opportunity to give Aiden a run, he fits into the goals we are trying to achieve."
Markram has been identified as a potential future captain since he led South Africa to victory at the 2014 Under-19 World Cup. He has captained South Africa A and made his full international debut during the current season, scoring 97, 15, 143 and 125 in his first four Test innings against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. He found the going tougher in the recent Tests against India, scoring 140 runs at an average of 23.33. He has only played in two one-day internationals, including the Durban match.