Kwena Maphaka joins Mumbai Indians for IPL: ‘He’s ready to play,’ says Donald

One of the brightest prospects in South African cricket, fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, has won a deal with Indian Premier League team, the Mumbai Indians.

And it’s worth noting the bowler is only 17 years old and still in matric at St Stithians College in Joburg.

Maphaka hit the international cricket headlines at the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa at the beginning of the year when he recorded three five-wicket bowling hauls during the tournament. He also went on to be named Player of the Tournament.

21 wickets at U-19 World Cup

Maphaka has been called into the Mumbai Indian team as a replacement for the injured Sri Lankan bowler Dilshan Madushanka.

The 2024 edition of the IPL gets under way on Friday and is regarded the most lucrative and prestigious T20 tournament in the game.

Maphaka, who is a left-arm swing bowler, picked up 21 wickets at an average of 9.71 and a strike rate of 15.28 during the U-19 World Cup, which contributed significantly in South Africa reaching the semi-finals.

He will join fellow South Africans Gerald Coetzee and Dewald Brevis, also a former World Cup U-19 Player of the Tournament, at the Mumbai Indians.

One of the experienced bowlers Maphaka will no doubt learn from during his time in India is Jasprit Bumrah, the Mumbai Indians’ key bowler. Also, the side is captained by Rohit Sharma, another experienced player.

‘Incredible opportunity’

Lions coach Russel Domingo said about Maphaka’s call-up: “It’s an incredible opportunity for Kwena to play with and against some of the best players in the world, in the biggest tournament of the world.

“He will be in a good system there, good coaches around him, a winning franchise so we certainly do wish him the very best!”

Allan Donald, the Lions’ bowling coach, said Maphaka was special. “When I first saw KG Rabada, I thought to myself ‘Wow, this guy really is cut out for the big stuff’ … you just know that a guy like that is built for the big show.

“The same can be said for Kwena. There is no doubt that his skill is exceptional, but the most impressive thing is his surety about not only himself but about what he is going to do.

“Kwena has the opportunity now to showcase his skills at the biggest tournament on the planet, and we all wish him well and want him to succeed. This kid has got the talent and the skill to play first up and is the sort of guy that you will have in the IPL and back him to be in your starting lineup.

“The experience he will gain by being surrounded by top players, coaches and friends is unmatched – even just from being in the changerooms.”