Mumbai Indians on Wednesday named uncapped South Africa medium-pacer Kwena Maphaka as replacement for injured Sri Lanka pacer Dilshan Madushanka ahead of the upcoming match IPL season. The 23-year-old Lankan pacer suffered a hamstring injury in the just-concluded ODI series in Bangladesh, which the visiting team lost 1-2. Madushanka, who was acquired by MI for Rs 4.6 crore in the IPL auction ahead of the upcoming season, performed well during the ODI World Cup last year, taking 21 wickets in 9 games.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Mapaka has come into the limelight after being named Player of the Tournament at this year’s home U19 World Cup, where he scalped 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.

Proteas legend Allan Donald spoke highly of him.

He has been playing for the South Africa A and South Africa Emerging sides since last year, and he was drawn up by Paral Royals for the SA20 2023-24 but did not feature.

Mafaka’s T20 data shows 13 wickets in 9 games with an economy rate of 6.71, including 4 wickets.

MI said in the media: “Mafaka already has the ability to advance quickly and has a very good bouncer who can speed up the batsmen. He made his debut for the South Africa U19 team at the age of 15 and has already played Participated in two U19 World Cups.” released.

“He can reach speeds of 140km/h, his death bowling and yorking were also outstanding at the U19 World Cup earlier this year.

“He will share a dressing room with two of the best bowlers in world cricket – bowling coach Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. Let him go On the path of learning, developing and consolidating knowledge.” On March 24, MI, led by new captain Hardik Pandya, took on last season’s runners-up Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad team (Gujarat Titans) to play the opening match of IPL 2024.

Warriors replace Shami in GT race

Gujarat Titans have hired Kerala medium-pacer Sandeep Warrier as a replacement for injured senior India seamer Mohammed Shami, the Indian Premier League said on Wednesday.

Shami recently underwent successful Achilles tendon surgery in London for his right heel problem.

He is expected to undergo rehab for almost the entirety of IPL 2024 and will therefore miss the entire tournament.

Shami has not played competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup final here last year, when India lost to Australia by six wickets.

As for Warrier, the 32-year-old has played 5 IPL matches since 2019, grabbing two wickets at an economy rate of 7.88.

“Shami – India’s veteran pacer – recently underwent successful surgery for a right heel problem and is currently recovering,” an IPL statement read. “His successor Sandeep Warrier has played 5 IPL games so far. game, will be added to GT at a base price of INR 50 Cr.” GT will be his fourth IPL team, having previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians.

GT will play the 2024 IPL opener on March 24 against Mumbai Indians.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)