Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik applauded the latest Proteas sensation Kwena Maphaka who rose to fame with his stunning ICC U19 World Cup campaign last year. With 21 wickets in the campaign Maphaka made quick debuts across all formats and showed the world his mettle in no time. Karthik believes that the Proteas have found a gem in Maphaka who needs to be protected.
Maphaka’s growth as a Proteas sensation
So far the 18-year-old has played a Test, two ODIs and five T20Is and recorded three Test wickets at an average of 30 with best figures of 3/90, five ODI wickets at an average of 24.40 with best figures of 4/72 and three T20I wickets at an average of 56.00 and best figures of 2/39. In the IPL 2024 auction, he was brought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.50 crores.
His progress since the U19 WC last year has been remarkable. Speaking ahead of Paarl Royals’ SA20 season three campaign opener against defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Dinesh Karthik said, “I watched him bowl in the U19 World Cup and it almost felt like when you play against South Africa, you need to get past that first spell. That is a feeling not many bowlers can give. He has handled pressure, he has come with expectations, and it is great to see him grow into not only a good domestic cricketer, but today he is playing for South Africa in all three formats.”
“South Africa need to protect him”
He explained as quoted by the ESPNCricinfo, “If I was him, SA20 would be a great opportunity to show my skills at the T20 level but also be the person who can win matches for the team. He is a special player. He has the skill sets to be the superstar that I expect him to be. In Kwena, South Africa has found a gem, and they need to protect him.”
Karthik who is the first-ever Indian cricketer signed by the league also warned how the all-rounder needs to take care of his body and mental health as well. “The one thing that will happen as he grows is he could drop pace, and he does not want to do that, So how he takes care of his body and mentally, every time he gets on the park, it should be about winning the game for that team,” he signed off.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram