Mumbai Indians acquired the services of 17-year-old South African speedster Kwena Maphaka as a replacement for Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Madushanka, who was bought by MI for Rs 4.6 crore, suffered a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s second ODI against Bangladesh earlier this month. Meanwhile, Maphaka will link up with fellow South African and MI head coach Mark Boucher. The 17-year-old caught everyone’s eye during U19 World Cup at home this year, scalping 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.
Maphaka arrived at MI’s team hotel in Mumbai but was taken aback by a tricky question from his mother.
In a video posted by MI, the admin posed a question on behlaf of Maphaka’s mom, who asked how he would manage his studies.
Responding to the question, The 17-year-old went on to say he would be able to pull it off.
“Yes, it’s definitely going to be a difficult time. But it’s a lot of extra lessons and a lot of hardwork,” he said in the video.
On becoming MI’s latest acquisition, Maphaka added: “It feels really good. Definitely something unexpected. But I’m really happy to be here. It’s a beautiful city.”
Maphaka’s mom also expressed her excitement on the 17-year-old joining the franchise.
“It’s an honour. We are very blessed to have Kwena be a part of such a big family of Mumbai Indians and I hope he is going to fit in and be welcomed,” she said in the video.
Maphaka’s T20 numbers read 13 wickets in nine games at an economy of 6.71, including a four-wicket haul.
“Maphaka already is capable of generating serious pace and has a very mean bouncer that is known to hurry the batters up. He debuted for the South Africa U19 team at 15 & has already played in two U19 World Cups,” said MI in a media release.
“He is capable of touching speeds of 140kph, and his death bowling and yorkers were a standout too at the U19 World Cup earlier this year.
“He will share the dressing room with two of the best bowlers in world cricket – Lasith Malinga, bowling coach and Jasprit Bumrah putting him on a path of learning, development and building on that knowledge.” MI plays its IPL 2024 opening match versus last season’s runner-up, Gujarat Titans, in Ahmedabad on March 24 under new skipper Hardik Pandya.
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