IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya Welcomes Kwena Maphaka to Mumbai Indian Squad | WATCH

Mumbai Indians, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, share various social media content, keeping their fans updated about the major developments in the team. In a recent video on their official site, the franchise announced the arrival of Kwena Maphaka in Mumbai. The clip also featured some glimpses of the team’s practice sessions at the Wankhede Stadium. It also captured some excited fans, who gathered at the Mandwa Bandar where Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and several other players were spotted enjoying a ferry ride on Tuesday. MI bowling coach Lasith Malinga was also part of the group.

Speaking about Kwena Maphaka, the 17-year-old South African pacer has been roped in by Mumbai Indians as a replacement for Dilshan Madushanka, who has been ruled out of the entire 2024 campaign. The Sri Lankan speedster will miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury that he picked up during a tour of Bangladesh earlier this month. To fill his vacant place in the team, Maphaka has been called up.

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Mumbai secured the signing of Madushanka for Rs 4.6 crore at the 2024 IPL auction in December last year. The Sri Lankan speedster, known as a powerplay specialist, was expected to feature in Mumbai’s playing eleven this season. His absence has enabled the opportunity for Maphaka to secure his first IPL contract, that too with one of the most successful franchises of the tournament.

Kwena Maphaka first hit the headlines with his enthralling bowling performance at the ICC U-19 World Cup earlier this year. He was named the Player of the Tournament after picking 21 wickets for hosts South Africa. Before debuting in the U-19 side, Maphaka had also played for South Africa A and South Africa Emerging teams.

On Thursday, Mumbai Indians dropped a video on Instagram where Kwena Maphaka was seen expressing his excitement over his IPL contract. He is yet to acquire his school degree and is currently in his final year. Maphaka goes to the St Stithians school in Johannesburg where South African pacer Kagiso Rabada had also pursued his studies.

After Mapakha was asked how he would manage his studies, the teenager said, “Yes, it’s going to be a difficult time. But it’s a lot of extra lessons and a lot of hard work.” He has come to India with his mother, who also featured in the Instagram video. She said, “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.”

Mumbai Indians have built a formidable bowling attack for the 2024 IPL and the inclusion of Kwena Maphaka has added more strength. They have six specialist fast bowlers in the team including Indian star Jasprit Bumrah. Eyes will be on another South African pacer Gerald Coetzee who was signed by the Mumbai franchise for Rs 5 crore at the last auction.