Mumbai Indians (MI) welcomed a talented young gun to their squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The 17-year-old South African pace sensation Kwena Maphaka has joined the five-time title holders and is set to pose threat to top-class batter with his tearaway pace. Maphaka comes in as a replacement for Dilshan Madushanka, the Sri Lankan pacer who unfortunately had to withdraw from IPL 2024 due to injury. This is a big opportunity for Maphaka, who impressed everyone with his stunning performance in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year. He was named Player of the Tournament after taking a whopping 21 wickets – the most ever by a pacer in the history of the competition.
Maphaka isn't the only one excited about joining the Hardik Pandya-led MI squad. His mother accompanied him to the team camp, and it seems the whole family is enjoying the experience. Maphaka himself described the move to MI as ‘unexpected’ and added that he's impressed by Mumbai, calling it a ‘beautiful city’.
"It feels really good. Definitely something unexpected. But I'm really happy to be here. It's a beautiful city. Yes, it's definitely going to be a difficult time. But it's a lot of extra lessons and a lot of hardwork," said Maphaka.
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In a video posted by MI franchise, Maphaka was asked a question on his mother's behalf as to how he would manage his studies. Maphaka, while answering the tricky question, said he will manage it.
Maphaka's mom also said that it's an honour to see his son being associated with MI team.
"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," Maphaka's mom said.
Maphaka will be sharing the dressing room with legendary Lasith Malinga, who is the bowling coach for Mumbai Indians, and Jasprit Bumrah.
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Notably, MI will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against the Gujarat Titans on March 24. It will be interesting to see whether Maphaka will get a chance to showcase his skills in the opening match or not.
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