Below, a look at five youngsters who caught the eye during this year’s Twenty20 tournament.

Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia)

The Australian impressed in his debut IPL season with his fearless batting for Delhi Capitals, earning glowing praise from Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly.

The 22-year-old opener came in as an injury replacement for bowler Lungi Ngidi and hammered 330 runs in nine matches at a punishing strike rate of over 234.

His explosive performances prompted Australia to include him in their squad as a travelling reserve for next month’s T20 World Cup after he was not in their initial list.

Delhi head coach and former Australia captain Ponting earmarked Fraser-McGurk as “a serious talent”. Ganguly predicted a bright future for the “game-changer”, who has played two ODIs for Australia.

Abhishek Sharma (India)

The flamboyant left-hander, 23, was key to Hyderabad’s run to the final.

He smashed 484 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of over 200 and formed an attacking opening pair with Australia’s Travis Head.

Abhishek also contributed with his left-arm spin when he took two wickets against Rajasthan Royals to take Hyderabad into their third IPL final.

“He is amazing, I wouldn’t want to bowl against him. He’s scary,” skipper Pat Cummins said of the youngster after his knock of 66 helped Hyderabad into the play-offs.

Despite his displays Abhishek failed to make India’s formidable World Cup squad.

Will Jacks (England)

The batting all-rounder rode on a strong season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru to take his place in the England squad for the World Cup.

His 41-ball 100 against Gujarat Titans in April highlighted his destructive ability and eclipsed even Virat Kohli during their partnership of 166.

Jacks reached his ton with a six and Kohli’s reaction of awe and delight said it all. The former India captain later called the knock “phenomenal”.

The 25-year-old finished with 230 runs in eight matches and was vital to Bengaluru as they made it to the play-offs.

Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)

The South African went to Delhi for a bargain $60,000 at auction but emerged as a top “finisher” in a season where his team came a disappointing sixth in the table.

The 23-year-old had a final-overs strike rate of 297.33, the highest in the IPL ever for a minimum of 100 runs.

“The way he is finishing games, it’s like he’s been doing it for 10 years,” former Australia batsman Tom Moody purred.

It was a breakout IPL for Stubbs, who concluded the season with an unbeaten 25-ball 57 against Lucknow Super Giants.

Will hope to carry that form into the World Cup in the United States and Caribbean.

Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)

The 21-year-old fast bowler nicknamed “Baby Malinga” sparkled for Chennai Super Kings with his ability to choke runs in the final overs.

He took 13 wickets from six games before a hamstring injury cut short his IPL.

Chennai were left to rue his absence, losing to Bengaluru to miss out on the play-offs.

Has drawn comparisons to Sri Lankan bowling great Lasith Malinga because of his slinging action.

Pathirana has recovered from the injury and is expected to spearhead Sri Lanka’s attack at the World Cup.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Kolkata bowled out Hyderabad for IPL’s lowest total of 113 in a final as Australia’s left-arm quick Starc returned figures of 2-14 to live up to his top billing in the world’s most lucrative T20 tournament.

Starc went to Kolkata for a record $2.98 million in the December auction and ended the IPL with two stellar performances, including a match-winning 3-34 in the first playoff to hammer the same opponent.

Kolkata Knight Riders won with 57 balls to spare

Kolkata’s batsmen had it easy and despite Sunil Narine’s early departure, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made 39, and Venkatesh Iyer, on 52 not out, helped the team home with 9.3 overs to spare after a partnership of 91.

Iyer, a left-handed batsman, reached his 50 in 24 balls and hit the winning runs to trigger celebrations for Kolkata, who remained the most dominant team after they ended top of the table with 20 points in the league phase.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer was unbeaten on six, and at the other end, when Kolkata players came rushing on to the pitch.

It was Kolkata’s second title triumph at the venue, after they won their first trophy in 2012, and a near-capacity crowd at the 36 000-seater stadium cheered on.

Apart from the big signing of Starc, they got Gautam Gambhir as mentor after the former India batsman led the team to two titles, including the 2014 triumph.

Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first and go with his team’s strength of scoring big, after they racked up IPL record totals of 277 and 287 in this year’s edition.

Hyderabad took Cummins for $2.5 million in the same auction and made him captain after he led Australia to two titles, including the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup last year.

SA players flopped

But Starc took the limelight as he struck in his first over when he bowled in-form Indian batsman Abhishek Sharma, for two, on a delivery that pitched in the middle and caught the top of off stump.

Travis Head followed his fellow left-hand opener Abhishek to the dug-out, caught behind for his second duck in three matches off fast bowler Vaibhav Arora.

Starc struck again and the opposition top-order was in disarray at 47-4 inside seven overs.

Andre Russell took down Aiden Markram for 20 and wickets kept tumbling as fellow South African Heinrich Klaasen fell for 16.

Cummins, who was dropped on 10 by Starc, took the team past 100 before falling for 24 off Russell, who ended with figures of 3-19.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Coetzee keeps steaming in for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL this season even though it has been a tough time for fast bowlers.

Proteas star makes IPL impact

He was able to do his bit in Mumbai Indians tight win over Punjab Kings on Thursday.

Coetzee got among the wickets early on and then came back at the death to do his bit to kill off a fightback from the Kings.

He finished with figures of three for 32 from his four overs to compliment a brilliant three for 21 from Jasprit Bumrah.

The victory helps Mumbai Indians move up to seventh on the IPL table.

“What a game! We started really well. Cricket’s a funny game. We thought we had it, they batted really well. Then it was like a see-saw,” Coetzee said.

Biltong gives you wheels says Proteas star

Coetzee bowled with real pace and venom but has a quirky dietary note when asked about his speed.

“You need to eat a lot of Biltong and the wheels will come up,” Coetzee said.

Take note budding fast bowlers.

World-class attack

Bumrah had made the early impact for the team after they put 192 on the board.

“Of course, you want to make an impact early on when the ball does something,” Bumrah said according to ESPN Cricinfo.

“Because in this format, probably the ball does swing for the first two overs. And when I want to bowl more, I do play Test cricket. That is where all my desires for bowling more gets over. In this format, when the ball swings for the first two overs, you do want to make an impact and when the opportunity comes, I’m happy to contribute.”

Focus on what you can control

 Bumrah says that he is able to deliver in T20 cricket by focusing on what is within his control.

“Obviously this format is a little difficult for the bowlers because the batsmanship is going up,” he said. 

“With the time restrictions [over-rate penalties] as well and the Impact Player rule, that does not help the bowler too much because the batting line-up becomes deeper and deeper and the bowler becomes half the bowler when you get an extra option.

“But I feel like all of those things are not in your control. What you can do is try to prepare to the best of your ability and back yourself in any situation because all of that will then put you in a good space of mind and you can go out there and execute with a smile on your face.”

Zampa has been a key player in Australia’s white-ball successes over the last two seasons and admitted to being drained.

Why Adam Zampa skipped the IPL

He has opted to rest and spend time with family in a bid to recharge ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.

“There are several reasons why the IPL wasn’t for me this year. I think the most important one was the fact that it’s a World Cup year and I’m completely drained from 2023,” Zampa told the Willow Talk podcast. 

“I did the full IPL last year. Obviously, the World Cup was three months in India as well.

“So I had the best intentions of trying to play the IPL again this year. But once push came to shove, I felt like I just couldn’t really offer the Rajasthan Royals the best version of myself and looking forward to the World Cup, that’s what’s more important to me, that’s for sure.”

A tough call

Zamoa says that it wasn’t an easy decision to pull out of the Rajasthan Royals squad.

“It came down to my decision being I probably need to put my body and my mental health first,” Zampa said according to ESPN Cricinfo. 

“Then you throw a lot of other things into the equation as well, like the fact that I’ve got a young family. It’s not easy to spend nine weeks in India in my situation where I’m fighting for my spot in the team as well.

“It’s not like I can say to myself, ‘well, that’s alright I’ve got 14 games to prepare for a World Cup’. I don’t know whether or not that’s actually going to be two games or four games or six games. So I kind of worked out that maybe just to rest, putting my family first, putting my body first, was better for me.

“It’s not an easy decision because you’ve always got that voice in the back of your mind going, ‘pulling out of the IPL, what are people going to say? What happens the next time you want to go to the IPL? Do people kind of paint you with that brush?’.

“But I wasn’t too fussed about it once I made that decision, I knew it was the right one.”

Adam Zampa is key for Australia’s World Cup hopes

Zampa has been lauded as a lynchpin of Australia’s attack in all conditions.

“His control of his length has been the best that I’ve seen,” Australia’s bowling coach, Daniel Vettori told Cricket.com.au.

“I think we all know the skills and the variations (that he has), but his ability to land the ball on the spot time and time again gives most teams limited opportunities to attack him.

Mayank brought the heat in his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday.

IPL hero idolises Dale Steyn

The young quick started his spell with a ferocious 147 kmph delivery and kept that up to deliver devastating results.

Afterwards he would reveal that there is only one fast bowler he looks up to and that is Proteas pace icon Steyn.

“I look up to only one first bowler, Dale Steyn. I idolise him,” he said according to News18.

“Speed is thrilling,” the 21-year-old said. 

“I have always loved that from my childhood. Generally, I have always loved everything with speed be it rockets, plan or superbikes. I liked jets as a kid. I had the thing in my mind to make my life around these things and hopefully it came as a pace bowler.

“I was visualing my debut for the past one-two years, how my first delivery will be like. I have heard from the others that there can be nervousness on debut. But after the first ball, all my nervousness went away. Everyone said to not take too much pressure, just bowl on the stumps, and use the pace.”

Morne Morkel delighted with his charge

Mayank has another Proteas pace icon helping direct his career at LSG in the form of bowling coach Morne Morkel.

Morkel said that he was proud of the young quick for steaming in on debut especially given his history of injuries.

“Happy with the win,” Morkel said after the match as per ESPN Cricinfo. 

“[The] Bowlers stuck to it. In the first timeout told the bowlers to stay in the game. 

“Then young Mayank bowled serious heat and got the wickets. It was tough last year as he got injured after the first warm-up game. We’re managing him better. He ran in and that was the pleasing thing. We asked the guys to do the basics well on a good wicket. Told him to stick to his lengths and use bouncers. Proud he ran in and bowled gas despite the humidity. How the wicket would play was an unknown, we had to sum up conditions and use them. We had five or six days after the first game, and that could’ve worked against us too. 

“It’s harder sitting in the dugout than on comms.”

Mayank reportedly clocked the sixth-fastest delivery in IPL history on Saturday.

Brook withdrew from IPL 2024 before the tournament got under way following his grandmother’s death.

Proteas star added to Delhi Capitals

Williams has agreed to join the Capitals for his base price of INR 50 lakh or a little bit over R1.1 million. 

This will be the first stint in the IPL for the paceman.

While Brook is a top-order star, the Capitals have chosen to reinforce their squad elsewhere, feeling they could do with more pace options.

Williams will join the Capitals’ pace department which already comprises his compatriot Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Jhye Richardson and Mukesh Kumar. 

The franchise based in the Indian capital also has a pair of pace-bowling all-rounders in Mitchell Marsh and Sumit Kumar on their books at the moment.

They had been set to deploy another major Proteas pace bowling star in Lungi Ngidi, but he withdrew on the eve of the tournament, having failed to recover from a back injury that limited his involvement in the home summer.

Already a proven campaigner in white-ball cricket, Williams has 106 wickets from 83 T20s. He also sports a very handy bowling average of 19.76. 

He made his Proteas debut back in April 2022 and has since played two Tests, four ODIs and 11 T20Is for his country.

Proven campaigner

Williams was part of the Proteas squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup and made one appearance at the tournament, facing Bangladesh in the round-robin phase of the tournament.

On the domestic scene this summer, he managed 15 wickets for SA20 side Joburg Super Kings, finishing fourth in the wicket-takers list in the marquee event of the term.

For the Capitals it seems that Williams has arrived just in time, with Aussie all-rounder Marsh suffering a hamstring injury that will see him put on ice for at least another week or two.

Delhi Capitals currently lie at the bottom of the IPL points table, with four defeats in five matches.

The Capitals, formerly known as the Delhi Daredevils, are a team that has competed in every single IPL campaign but they have never lifted the trophy.

Williams will become the 14th South African player to represent the Delhi-based franchise in the IPL. Morne Morkel is the Proteas man with the most Delhi appearances to his name. Morkel played 41 times for the team and is currently a bowling coach for Lucknow Super Giants.

The talent of the 17-year-old was also quickly recognised by powerhouse T20 side the Mumbai Indians, who recruited him straight into their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad.

Maphaka was initially expected to serve primarily as a back-up bowler, but after clearly impressing the coaches, he was handed his IPL debut against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, his debut didn’t go according to plan, as he conceded a whopping 66 runs from his four overs. That return left him with the unwanted record of becoming the foreign player who had conceded the most runs in an IPL innings. It was also the most expensive spell by a debutant in an IPL match. 

It sparked a rather insensitive tweet from his cricketing idol, Proteas legend Dale Steyn, who commented: “Maphaka realizing the difference between U19 and the PRO league. Baptism of fire.”

Kevin Pietersen backs young Kwena Maphaka

However, South Africa-born cricket legend Kevin Pietersen, who turned out to be an iconic player for England, quickly came out in support of the Kwena Maphaka.

“I hope Kwena Maphaka wakes up this morning extremely proud of what he achieved last night,” he tweeted. “There are many seasoned international campaigners that try their level best to get picked up in an IP auction and just at the age of 17, yes 17, he made is debut as a foreign player. Forget your figures and love what you achieved. You go, buddy!”

Other IPL veterans, such as Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, also voiced their support for the youngster.

“Keep your head up Champ! Kwena Maphaka I’m sure you will definitely bounce back and don’t let this one-off game make you start to doubt yourself, it’s a great challenge for you and you will only get better as the tournament goes on!” Bravo said in a post he uploaded to Instagram.

Meanwhile, Pollard added: “Head up young man, you have greater things to achieve. I’m sure your family, friends loved ones are very proud of you. tough first day at the office but loved how you kept coming.”

THE NEXT KG RABADA?

Maphaka maintains that his best quality is aggression – something Proteas superstar Kagiso Rabada has become world-renowned for.

Rabada and Maphaka came through the same school, St Stithians, and the duo possess very similar attributes.

“It [aggression] is something that comes very naturally for me,” stated Maphaka last year. “I am a very competitive person at heart. I think it’s my biggest attribute. But to be compared with someone like KG [Rabada] is humbling. 

“KG is an inspiration to a lot of people in South Africa and outside, just the way he’s gone about his cricket, the work he has done from such a young age. It’s something I am trying to take on board.”

Klaasen battered 80 off just 34 balls to help lift Sunrisers Hyderabad to an incredible 277 for three.

The South African finisher had joined his Proteas teammate Aiden Markram at the wicket in the 12th over.

At that time, the Sunrisers were 161 for three after left-handers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had torn apart the bowling to start.

WATCH: Heinrich Klaasen’s adorable daughter cheers her dad on

The younger Klaasen was having a whale of a time in the stands all along.

Klaasen’s wife, Sone, and daughter enjoyed the atmosphere.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SunRisers Hyderabad (@sunrisershyd)

A pitch for thrills

The pitch laid out at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad was superb for batting.

In response Mumbai Indians managed 245 for five, and shocked Sunrisers skipper Pat Cummins.

“Not until we bowled (laughs),” Cummins said when asked if he thought 278 was gettable.

“It was an amazing game. [Abhishek Sharma] Really impressive striker of the ball. In the IPL, you play under a lot of pressure, but the freedom he has played with was amazing.

“You never play for 270, but we wanted to be really positive, and with the impact player rule, you have more batting as well. It’s obviously a good wicket, so you know you’re going to go for a few boundaries, but just have to stick to the plans. I think cutters worked.”

Maphaka backed

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya wouldn’t blame his bowlers for the defeat and credited the mentality of young Kwena Maphaka.

Maphaka took a pounding, but Pandya said that he was encouraged by what he saw from the young South African.

“”The wicket was good but 277, no matter how good or bad you bowl, if the opposition get 277 that means they batted very well,” Pandya said.

“[Bowlers] were good. It was tough out there. Close to 500 runs were scored so the wicket was helping the batters. We could have tried a few different things, but we have a young bowling attack and I liked what I saw today. If the ball goes this much in the crowd, it’s definitely different to run around and complete the overs in time. Everyone batted really well, counting Tilak, Ro, Ishan. There are just few things we need to do right and we’ll be alright. [On Maphaka] I think he was fantastic you know. Coming into your first game and getting overwhelmed by this kind of crowd and he showed he had the heart. Even though he went for runs, he looked alright, he wanted to back his skillsets and that’s something that’s fantastic. He has the skillset, just that he needs some game time.”

Not many batters can consistently match Klaasen for impact over 30 balls. Many of those who can are also at the IPL setting up some interesting head-to-heads.

Heinrich Klaasen keeps on making an impact as IPL gets underway

According to the ESPN Cricinfo MVP index for the SA20, there was no more impactful player in the tournament than Klaasen.

In the opening match of the Sunrisers Hyderabad campaign, Klaasen was his team’s top performer and his wicket ultimately proved the key to Kolkata Knight Riders snatching a four-run win.

The Sunrisers team appears to be set up to take advantage of Klaasen’s talent with the top order made up of batters who are stable more than spectacular in the T20 format.

While Abhishek Sharma has license to get after the bowling it seems more circumspect cricket is being asked of Mayank Agarwal, Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram.

The trio of Agarwal, Tripathi and Markram are batters with career T20 strike rates around the 133-mark.

A rough par for performance for that top order would be to have 100 runs or more on the board when the third wicket goes down and brings Klaasen to the crease. Ideally between the 10th and 12th overs of the innings.

With that sort of platform, eight times out of 10 Klaasen will deliver a match-winning effort to conclude the dig.

Sunrisers banking on Proteas

The Sunrisers have opted to use their two remaining international slots, after selecting skipper Markram and Klaasen, to add fast bowling firepower. However, they do bat deep to give them that plan B if Klaasen falters. Still, it is evident that they have put a lot of eggs in the Klaasen basket.

With great responsibility comes a great platform for Klaasen to prove that he is among the best T20 finishers ever across the 2024 season.

The IPL will be the only significant T20 cricket that Klaasen will play before a May engagement between the Proteas and the West Indies just ahead of the T20 World Cup.

A brilliant IPL campaign would do wonders for Klaasen’s confidence and the Proteas hopes of pulling off an unlikely ICC trophy win.

With three South African stars in their ranks, the Sunrisers Hyderabad are a team to track in this IPL for Proteas fans. Klaasen, Markram and Jansen look to be central players for the franchise who are the tournament dark horses. 

The IPL has brought in some innovations this season with an advanced replay system and a rule change from regular T20 cricket.

The IPL rule change that benefits South Africans

In 2024, bowlers in the IPL will be allowed to bowl two bouncers per over.

The BCCI trialled the rule change in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 competition.

This move is aimed at tweaking the balance between the bat and the ball in the T20 format.

Not all bouncers are created equal. The South African contingent in the IPL contains several players who possess a deadly short ball.

Mumbai Indians set to deploy Protea Fire

Mumbai Indians have acquired a pair of South African quicks who both have good bouncers and plenty of fire.

The franchise went in for Gerald Coetzee at the auction after he terrorised India in their 2023 visit to South Africa. The 23-year-old is also handy with the bat to add some depth to the Mumbai Indians order.

In a late swoop, Mumbai interrupted Kwena Maphaka’s matric year to give him his first IPL experience before his 18th birthday. Maphaka already has an impressive mastery of variations in length. His bouncer would have been a big part of why the franchise took a chance on a 17-year-old.

Anrich Nortje fit and firing will terrify the IPL

Anrich Nortje has been on ice for some time but made a return to action in the T20 Challenge earlier in March.

Known for his steep bounce, this rule change will give the 30-year-old fast bowler an extra option. The Delhi Capitals already know how valuable Nortje can be, and the addition of an extra bouncer every six balls will amplify his talents.

Don’t ever forget about Kagiso Rabada

Rabada heads into the IPL with 106 wickets to his name from 69 matches in the tournament.

The Proteas star has the task of lifting the Punjab Kings into contention for the play-offs. However, a wicket-taker like Rabada could turn matches and make a real difference for the franchise. His ability to get the ball up to the shoulders off a sharp rise allows him to bully batters in every format.

IPL rule change gives Nandre Burger a chance to start with a bang

Nandre Burger was another South African quick who made the most of facing India in 2023.

A fiery exchange with Virat Kohli in the Test series didn’t hurt his IPL aspirations. The Rajasthan Royals snapped up Burger at auction.

He also has an accurate bouncer that is particularly difficult for right-handed batters to handle.

Marco Jansen to use his height

Marco Jansen was among the most valuable players for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s efforts to retain the SA20. A rule change like this allows Jansen to be a game-changer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Below, a look at six who went for eye-watering sums at the player auction for the 17th edition of the richest Twenty20 league in the world:

Looking for insight into the South African property market? Click here for more

Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The Australian is the most expensive buy in IPL history after Kolkata shelled out $2.98 million on the fast bowler and handy lower-order slugger.

Starc, a left-arm swing exponent with 358 Test wickets, returns to the IPL nine years after he played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Videos of the 34-year-old bowling in training for Kolkata have generated huge interest on social media.

Starc took 16 wickets in Australia’s 50-over World Cup triumph, including three in the final against hosts India.

Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Australia’s World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in his first stint as an IPL captain after they paid $2.5 million for the 30-year-old fast bowler, an IPL auction record until Starc went under the hammer shortly after.

Former Australia pace bowling great Glenn McGrath said the hefty price tags would not impact Cummins or Starc “even one percent”.

Cummins led Australia to win the World Test Championship triumph last year where they also beat India in the final.

Daryl Mitchell (Chennai Super Kings)

The batting all-rounder was bought by the 2023 IPL champions for $1.6 million, a month after starring for New Zealand at the World Cup.

Mitchell, 32, rose to prominence by scoring two World Cup centuries against India – in the group stage and in the semi-final.

The Super Kings are leaning heavily on New Zealand talent as they go for a record sixth IPL title in 2024.

They also have batsman Rachin Ravindra and spinner Mitchell Santner in their squad ahead of the opening match on Friday against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Rovman Powell (Rajasthan Royals)

The hard-hitting West Indian was the first player to be sold in the auction in Dubai as Rajasthan Royals bid $890,000.

Powell scores at a strike rate of more than 144 in the middle order but his previous IPL record is moderate, with only 257 runs in two seasons.

He shone, however, in the Caribbean Premier League for Barbados Royals.

Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians)

Gerald Coetzee’s tearaway speed saw him finish as South Africa’s leading bowler at the World Cup in India with 20 wickets in eight matches.

The displays led five-time champions Mumbai Indians to pay $602,000 for him to partner Jasprit Bumrah in a formidable pace attack.

The 23-year-old Coetzee, who said he was excited to “play under (Hardik Pandya, and bowl with Bumrah”, has taken 41 international wickets in all formats since his debut last year.

Harshal Patel (Punjab Kings)

An IPL regular since debuting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2012, the medium-pace raised eyebrows when he was the subject of a bidding war at the auction, ending up as the most expensive Indian player at $1.4 million.

The 33-year-old took 32 of his 111 career IPL wickets in an outstanding 2021 campaign, performances that led to an India debut later that year.

But he failed to cement a regular place in the national side, taking 29 wickets in 25 Twenty20 matches.

His last cap came on January 3, 2023 and he was released by Bengalaru last year.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The young fast bowler certainly looks to have plenty of raw potential, and was quickly trending across social media as cricket lovers spotted the potential of a future star.

The left armer received rave reviews for his array of skills and stunning yorkers that appear certain to set the 17-year-old on the path towards the Proteas senior team in the near future.

It’s now reported by highly regarded cricket writer Stuart Hess for TimesLive that he has taken up a high-profile contract with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 17-year-old is said to have already touched down in India after hastily hearing about the opportunity, which apparently also came about with the help of his Gauteng Lions teammate Kagiso Rabada.

It remains to be seen what role Maphaka might play with the Mumbai Indians, but some digging on social media suggests he could serve as back-up ‘net bowler’.

Kwena Maphaka was the player of the tournament in the ICC U19 World Cup

The talented fast bowler has also featured in three matches for the Lions in the CSA T20 Challenge this, and during a recent interview, he spoke of the ‘inswinger’ as his biggest weapon too.

It’s a delivery that he apparently mastered alongside Shukri Conrad, the current South Africa Test team head coach.

“My parents tell me I picked up a cricket ball when I was two years old, playing garden cricket with my brother,” he commented. 

“There were a lot of challenges in picking up cricket as a profession at such an early age. There’s the pressure of studies at school, the lure of other sports. I would also play hockey, rugby, tennis and athletics … but cricket is something I really enjoy and my passion for the sport has just driven me through all of the hurdles, distractions and other pitfalls.”

When he was young, it was all about pace for Maphaka. As he progressed, he picked up the finer skills of pace bowling, including his trademark inswinger and unplayable yorkers. 

The next KG Rabada?

However, Maphaka maintains that his best quality is aggression – something characteristic of Kagiso Rabada too. Rabada and Maphaka came through the same school, St Stithians, and the duo possess very similar attributes.

“It [aggression] is something that comes very naturally for me,” stated Maphaka. “I am a very competitive person at heart. I think it’s my biggest attribute. But to be compared with someone like KG [Rabada] is humbling. 

“KG is an inspiration to a lot of people in South Africa and outside, just the way he’s gone about his cricket, the work he has done from such a young age. It’s something I am trying to take on board.”

All of the South Africans who will take part in the IPL have been capped by the Proteas and most are returning after a previous stint in the tournament.(Edit: The addition of Kwena Maphaka to the Mumbai Indians squad means he will be the only uncapped South African in action in the IPL).

The 2024 IPL gets under way on Friday, 22 March, when Chennai Super Kings host Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Lungi Ngidi misses out on this season through injury.

South Africans in the IPL

Anrich Nortje

Finally passed fit after months on the sidelines, Anrich Nortje will be back in action for the Delhi Capitals.

Across three seasons in the IPL, Nortje has played 40 matches and taken 53 wickets.

Nortje is set to be a key player for the Delhi Capitals.

Tristan Stubbs

Also joining Nortje at the Capitals is former Mumbai Indians player Tristan Stubbs.

Stubbs was released by the Mumbai Indians after the 2023 campaign, having played just four matches for the franchise.

However, at auction, he was picked up for his base price by the Delhi Capitals. 

David Miller

David Miller is out to add to his incredible IPL record after he was retained by the Gujarat Titans.

Miller has been involved in 13 of the 16 IPL tournaments staged to date.

He has helped the Titans reach the play-offs in both their seasons in the IPL, and his experience and powerful finishing make him an asset.

Will Quinton de Kock find form?

Quinton de Kock

Lucknow Super Giants wouldn’t let Quinton de Kock go, as they named him among their retentions for 2024.

De Kock was the hero of Lucknow’s 2022 campaign but played just four matches in 2023.

He returns having retired from Test and ODI cricket.

Dewald Brevis

While Mumbai Indians let Stubbs go, they did their utmost to hang on to “Baby AB” Dewald Brevis.

Brevis is a T20 sensation in South Africa and on the franchise scene even if he is yet to establish himself in the Proteas team.

After playing seven matches in his debut campaign in 2022, Brevis missed out on the action in 2023.

New boys get their IPL shot

Gerald Goetzee

Gerald Coetzee joins Brevis at the Mumbai Indians, having been snapped up at auction.

This will be Coetzee’s first-ever IPL campaign after a breakout season with the Proteas.

Coetzee was picked up early in the auction with allrounders highly valued.

Nandre Burger

Nandre Burger will get a first crack at the IPL after he was snapped up by the Rajasthan Royals.

Burger went late in the auction and at his base price, but the Royals should make good use of the in-form quick.

Left-arm fast bowlers are in fashion in the T20 game, and Burger could light up the IPL in 2024.

Kwena Maphaka

Maphaka was a late addition to the Mumbai Indians squad announced on 20 March.

He lit up the Under-19 Cricket World Cup earlier this year and is tipped to be a top star in the game.

The left-arm quick has jetted out to join his new teammates ahead of their opening match against Gujarat Titans on Sunday.

Better late than never

Rilee Rossouw

Rilee Rossouw was released by the Delhi Capitals but returns to the IPL with the Punjab Kings.

Rossouw is playing for his third IPL team, having also turned out for the Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

He was a late buy at auction for the Punjab Kings but may still end up being a vital member of their squad.

Donovan Ferreira

The SA20 has helped Donovan Ferreira shoot to prominence, and he has been retained by the Rajasthan Royals.

Despite being signed by the Royals last term he is still yet to make his IPL debut.

Ferreira made his international debut late in 2023 and will be out to continue his rise in Rajasthan.

Faf du Plessis

An important part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore set-up this season will be Faf du Plessis.

Du Plessis has more than 4000 IPL runs in the bank from 130 matches.

A seasoned veteran, Du Plessis has massive value to Royal Challengers Bangalore as a leader and player.

South Africans in the IPL’s Orange army

Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen’s great T20 form makes him one of the players to watch in 2024.

The Sunrisers retained Klaasen and his two Proteas’ teammates.

He has blasted international hundreds of great quality recently and could also be the entertainer of the tournament.

Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen is another of the Sunrisers Proteas crew.

Jansen is also among the form bowlers in T20 cricket right now.

This season will be his fourth IPL campaign.

Aiden Markram

Skipper of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape and the Hyderabad franchise, Aiden Markram is the de facto leader of the Orange Army.

Markram has slotted into this organisation well, and they have helped him enhance his leadership skills.

He will likely want to improve his numbers on the park in this season of the IPL.

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However, as reported by The South African website, the 10 teams didn’t show much love for the South African players available in Tuesday’s auction.

ALSO READ | Gibbs says Reeza Hendricks must play after “politics” kept him out

Only four South Africans were bought at auction.

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee was bought by the Mumbai Indians for $602 000 (R11.1 million), while batsman Tristan Stubbs was snapped up by the Delhi Capitals for $60 000 (R1.1 million).

Late in the auction, batsman Rilee Rossouw was signed by the Punjab Kings for $936 900 (R17.2 million).

Finally, speedster Nandre Burger was sold to the Rajasthan Royals for $60 000 (R1.1 million).

South Africans who didn’t find a buyer included Tabraiz Shamsi and Rassie van der Dussen.

MUST READ | Nathan Lyon joins elite club with 500th Test wicket

Meanwhile, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc smashed the all-time IPL record when he was snapped up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for $2.98 million (R54.6 million).

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However, 11 South Africans were retained by their respective teams following this year’s tournament.

They were: Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, Kagiso Rabada, Faf du Plessis, Donovan Ferreira, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen.

ALSO READ | IPL auction: South Africans NOT in high demand

The start date for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) is yet to be confirmed.

Next year’s tournament will be the 17th edition.

The Chennai Super Kings are the defending champions.

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IPL 2024 teams and full squads

Chennai Super Kings

1. Ajay Mandal
2. Ajinkya Rahane
3. Deepak Chahar
4. Devon Conway*
5. Maheesh Theekshana*
6. Matheesha Pathirana*
7. Mitchell Santner*
8. Moeen Ali*
9. MS Dhoni
10. Mukesh Choudhary
11. Nishant Sindhu
12. Prashant Solanki
13. Rajvardhan Hangargekar
14. Ravindra Jadeja
15. Ruturaj Gaikwad
16. Shaik Rasheed
17. Shivam Dube
18. Simarjeet Singh
19. Tushar Deshpande
20. Rachin Ravindra* (auction – 1.80 cr)
21. Shardul Thakur (auction – 4.00 cr)
22. Daryl Mitchell* (auction – 14.00 cr)
23. Sameer Rizvi (auction – 8.40 cr)
24. Mustafizur Rahman* (auction – 2.00 cr)
25. Avanish Rao Aravelly (auction – 20 lakh)

Delhi Capitals

1. Abhishek Porel
2. Anrich Nortje*
3. Axar Patel
4. David Warner*
5. Ishant Sharma
6. Kuldeep Yadav
7. Lalit Yadav
8. Lungi Ngidi*
9. Mitchell Marsh*
10. Mukesh Kumar
11. Pravin Dubey
12. Prithvi Shaw
13. Rishabh Pant
14. Syed Khaleel Ahmed
15. Vicky Ostwal
16. Yash Dhull
17. Harry Brook* (auction – 4.00 cr)
18. Tristan Stubbs* (auction – 50 lakh)
19. Ricky Bhui (auction – 20 lakh)
20. Kumar Kushagra (auction – 7.20 cr)
21. Rasikh Dar (auction – 20 lakh)
22. Jhye Richardson* (auction – 5.00 cr)
23. Sumit Kumar (auction – 1.00 cr)
24. Shai Hope* (auction – 75 lakh)
25. Swastik Chhikara (auction – 20 lakh)

Gujarat Titans

1. Abhinav Manohar
2. Sai Sudharsan
3. Darshan Nalkande
4. David Miller*
5. Jayant Yadav
6. Joshua Little*
7. Kane Williamson*
8. Matthew Wade*
9. Mohammed Shami
10. Mohit Sharma
11. Noor Ahmad*
12. R Sai Kishore
13. Rahul Tewatia
14. Rashid Khan*
15. Shubman Gill
16. Vijay Shankar
17. Wriddhiman Saha
18. Azmatullah Omarzai* (auction – 50 lakh)
19. Umesh Yadav (auction – 5.80 cr)
20. Shahrukh Khan (auction – 7.40 cr)
21. Sushant Mishra (auction – 2.20 cr)
22. Kartik Tyagi (auction – 60 lakh)
23. Manav Suthar (auction – 20 lakh)
24. Spencer Johnson* (auction – 10 cr)
25. Robin Minz (auction – 3.60 cr)

Kolkata Knight Riders

1. Nitish Rana
2. Rinku Singh
3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz*
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. Jason Roy*
6. Sunil Narine*
7. Suyash Sharma
8. Anukul Roy
9. Andre Russell*
10. Venkatesh Iyer
11. Harshit Rana
12. Vaibhav Arora
13. Varun Chakaravarthy
14. KS Bharat (auction – 50 lakh)
15. Chetan Sakariya (auction – 50 lakh)
16. Mitchell Starc* (auction – 24.75 cr)
17. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (auction – 20 lakh)
18. Ramandeep Singh (auction – 20 lakh)
19. Sherfane Rutherford* (auction – 1.50 cr)
20. Manish Pandey (auction – 50 lakh)
21. Mujeeb Ur Rehman* (auction – 2.00 cr)
22. Gus Atkinson* (auction – 1.00 cr)
23. Sakib Hussain (auction – 2.00 lakh)

Lucknow Super Giants

1. KL Rahul
2. Quinton de Kock*
3. Nicholas Pooran*
4. Ayush Badoni
5. Kyle Mayers*
6. Marcus Stoinis*
7. Deepak Hooda
8. Ravi Bishnoi
9. Naveen ul Haq*
10. Krunal Pandya
11. Yudhvir Singh
12. Prerak Mankad
13. Yash Thakur
14. Amit Mishra
15. Mark Wood*
16. Mayank Yadav
17. Mohsin Khan
18. K Gowtham
19. Devdutt Padikkal (traded from RR)
20. Shivam Mavi (auction – 6.40 cr)
21. Arshin Kulkarni (auction – 20 lakh)
22. M Siddharth (auction – 2.40 cr)
23. Ashton Turner* (auction – 1.00 cr)
24. David Willey* (auction – 2.00 cr)
25. Mohammed Arshad Khan (auction – 20 lakh)

Mumbai Indians

1. Rohit Sharma
2. Dewald Brevis*
3. Suryakumar Yadav
4. Ishan Kishan
5. Tilak Verma
6. Tim David*
7. Vishnu Vinod
8. Arjun Tendulkar
9. Shams Mulani
10. Nehal Wadhera
11. Jasprit Bumrah
12. Kumar Kartikeya
13. Piyush Chawla
14. Akash Madhwal
15. Jason Behrendorff*
16. Hardik Pandya (traded from GT)
17. Romario Shepherd* (traded from RCB)
18. Gerald Coetzee* (auction – 5.00 cr)
19. Dilshan Madushanka (auction – 4.60 cr)
20. Shreyas Gopal (auction – 20 lakh)
21. Nuwan Thushara* (auction – 4.80 cr)
22. Naman Dhir (auction – 20 lakh)
23. Anshul Kamboj (auction – 20 lakh)
24. Mohammad Nabi* (auction – 20 lakh)
25. Shivalik Sharma (auction – 20 lakh)

Punjab Kings

1. Shikhar Dhawan
2. Liam Livingstone*
3. Jonny Bairstow*
4. Jitesh Sharma
5. Shivam Singh
6. Rahul Chahar
7. Prabhsimran Singh
8. Arshdeep Singh
9. Harpreet Bhatia
10. Harpreet Brar
11. Atharva Taide
12. Vidwath Kaverappa
13. Rishi Dhawan
14. Kagiso Rabada*
15. Sam Curran*
16. Nathan Ellis*
17. Sikandar Raza*
18. Harshal Patel (auction – 11.75 cr)
19. Chris Woakes* (auction – 4.20 cr)
20. Ashutosh Sharma (auction – 20 lakh)
21. Vishwanath Pratap Singh (auction – 20 lakh)
22. Shashank Singh (auction – 20 lakh)
23. Tanay Thyagarajan (auction – 20 lakh)
24. Prince Choudhary (auction – 20 lakh)
25. Rilee Rossouw* (auction – 8.00 cr)

Royal Challengers Bangalore

1. Faf du Plessis*
2. Glenn Maxwell*
3. Virat Kohli
4. Rajat Patidar
5. Anuj Rawat
6. Dinesh Karthik
7. Suyash Prabhudessai
8. Will Jacks*
9. Mahipal Lomror
10. Karn Sharma
11. Manoj Bhandage
12. Vyshak Vijaykumar
13. Akash Deep
14. Mohammed Siraj
15. Reece Topley*
16. Himanshu Sharma
17. Rajan Kumar
18. Mayank Dagar (traded from SRH)
19. Cameron Green* (traded from MI)
20. Alzarri Joseph* (auction – 11.50 cr)
21. Yash Dayal (auction – 5.00 cr)
22. Tom Curran* (auction – 1.50 cr)
23. Lockie Ferguson* (auction – 2.00 cr)
24. Swapnil Singh (auction – 20 lakh)
25. Saurav Chuahan (auction – 20 lakh)

Rajasthan Royals

1. Sanju Samson
2. Jos Buttler*
3. Shimron Hetmyer*
4. Yashasvi Jaiswal
5. Dhruv Jurel
6. Riyan Parag
7. Donovan Ferreira*
8. Kunal Rathore
9. Ravichandran Ashwin
10. Kuldeep Sen
11. Navdeep Saini
12. Prasidh Krishna
13. Sandeep Sharma
14. Trent Boult*
15. Yuzvendra Chahal
16. Adam Zampa*
17. Avesh Khan (from LSG)
18. Rovman Powell* (auction – 7.40 cr)
19. Shubham Dubey (auction – 5.80 cr)
20. Tom Kohler Cadmore* (auction – 40 lakh)
21. Nandre Burger* (auction – 50 lakh)
22. Abid Mushtaq (auction – 20 lakh)

Sunrisers Hyderabad

1. Abdul Samad
2. Aiden Markram*
3. Rahul Tripathi
4. Glenn Phillips*
5. Heinrich Klaasen*
6. Mayank Agarwal
7. Anmolpreet Singh
8. Upendra Singh Yadav
9. Nitish Kumar Reddy
10. Abhishek Sharma
11. Marco Jansen*
12. Washington Sundar
13. Sanvir Singh
14. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
15. T Natarajan
16. Mayank Markande
17. Umran Malik
18. Fazalhaq Farooqi*
19. Shahbaz Ahmed (traded from RCB)
20. Travis Head* (auction – 6.80 cr)
21. Wanindu Hasaranga* (auction – 1.50 cr)
22. Pat Cummins* (auction – 20.50 cr)
23. Jaydev Unadkat (auction – 1.60 cr)
24. Akash Singh (auction – 20 lakh)
25. Jhathavedh Subramanyan (auction – 20 lakh)

ALSO READ | Gibbs says Reeza Hendricks must play after “politics” kept him out

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee was bought by the Mumbai Indians for $602 000 (R11.1 million), while batsman Tristan Stubbs was snapped up by the Delhi Capitals for $60 000 (R1.1 million).

Late in the auction, batsman Rilee Rossouw was signed by the Punjab Kings for $936 900 (R17.2 million).

Finally, speedster Nandre Burger was sold to the Rajasthan Royals for $60 000 (R1.1 million).

ANSWER | WIN R5 000: Take The South African’s Reader Survey!

Those were the only four South Africans bought at auction.

South Africans who didn’t find a buyer included Tabraiz Shamsi and Rassie van der Dussen.

MUST READ | Nathan Lyon joins elite club with 500th Test wicket

Meanwhile, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc smashed the all-time IPL record when he was snapped up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for $2.98 million (R54.6 million).

ALSO READ | SABC won’t broadcast India tour to South Africa

The start date for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) is yet to be confirmed.

Next year’s tournament will be the 17th edition.

The Chennai Super Kings are the defending champions.

CLICK TO READ MORE ARTICLES WRITTEN BY GARRIN LAMBLEY

ALSO READ | Gibbs says Reeza Hendricks must play after “politics” kept him out

Starc, who last played in the IPL eight years ago, made a smashing comeback when he was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for 247.5 million rupees ($2.98 million), setting an all-time IPL auction record.

“We won, Mr Starc!” the franchise posted on X, formerly Twitter.

LIVE | South Africa v India, second ODI

Starc, 33, broke the record set by Cummins earlier in the day when Sunrisers Hyderabad paid 205 million rupees ($2.47 million) for the World Cup-winning skipper.

Before Tuesday, England all-rounder Sam Curran was the most expensive player after being bought for $2.23 million last year by Punjab Kings.

“Pumped to be joining SRH for the upcoming IPL season,” Cummins, who skipped this year’s IPL because of a packed calendar, said in a video posted by the franchise on social media.

“I have played in Hyderabad a few times and always loved it so can’t wait to get started.”

MUST READ | Nathan Lyon joins elite club with 500th Test wicket

Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in a fervent bidding session for Cummins, to claps and cheers from other franchises participating in the auction, held this year in Dubai.

Both Australians were key members of the team that led Australia to ODI World Cup victory in November, beating hosts India in the final at Ahmedabad.

Cummins had silenced a crowd of nearly 100 000 when he bowled out star batsman Virat Kohli, and was widely lauded for leading Australia to the title.

The 30-year-old made a previous auction record of $2.17 million when he signed with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019.

Both Starc and Cummins had entered this auction with a base price of $240 000, the top tier at which players can start the bidding for their services.

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell was the third-top player at the auction, grabbed by Chennai Super Kings for $1.6 million.

Mitchell, 32, was also one of the breakout stars at the World Cup, scoring two centuries against India – in the group stage and in the semi-final.

Bumper salaries

Chennai coach Stephen Fleming said Mitchell’s performances over the last 18-24 months had “warranted this type of a price”.

“He is an unfashionable player, often goes under the radar. With his ability to play spin he is competitive and he is also a handy bowler.”

West Indies star Rovman Powell went to Rajasthan Royals for $890 000 and Travis Head of Australia will play alongside Cummins for Hyderabad after being sold for $818 000.

South African paceman Gerald Coetzee was sold to Mumbai Indians for $602 000 (R11.1 million).

But up-and-coming New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra failed to arouse much interest, with Chennai paying an underwhelming $216,000 for his services.

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith went unsold in the first round, along with fellow wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.

More than 300 players were up for grabs at Tuesday’s auction for the cash-rich tournament, likely to be held from March next year.

The IPL is a huge earner for Indian cricket and the tournament makes more than $11 billion for the economy each year, according to pre-pandemic estimates.

Last June, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sold the broadcast rights for the next five IPL seasons to global media giants for an eye-watering $6.2 billion.

Mumbai Indians are the richest and most successful side in IPL history, with five titles to their name.

Attracting some of world cricket’s top stars with bumper salaries, the pioneering IPL helped make Twenty20 hugely popular, attracting hundreds of millions of viewers and spawning copycat events worldwide.

This year, the BCCI staged its inaugural women’s edition of the T20 tournament, earning nearly $700 million in combined franchise and media rights.

Meanwhile, in other Proteas-related IPL auction news, batsman Tristan Stubbs was sold to the Delhi Capitals for 50 lakh (R1.1 million).

Rilee Rossouw (base price two crore) and Tabraiz Shamsi (base price 50 lakh) went unsold.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Pietersen shared his thoughts on the former India skipper in his latest column for for Betway.

MS Dhoni not going to retire

Pietersen feels that Dhoni can keep having an impact at CSK.

“I was there for Dhoni’s lap of honour, and it was incredible to see how the stadium stayed completely full,” Pietersen wrote for Betway.

ALSO READ: Dolphins assemble formidable team for next season

“I’d be extremely surprised if this is his last season. I think this impact player rule actually helps him tremendously, where he can keep for 20 overs and bat wherever he wants to bat.

“He makes the team better with the decisions he makes as a captain, and his keeping has been tremendous. 

ALSO READ: Paul Harris calls on Proteas to pick Faf du Plessis

“It’s not like he takes a batting position up, because he tends to come in at seven, eight or nine to whack a few deliveries.

“He’ll have the opportunity for eight or nine months of rest, sort his knee out, and get himself fit and ready for another season.

“I hope it’s not the last we see of Dhoni, and I know everybody in the country would want him to play another season.”

ALSO READ: The staggering numbers behind the rise of women’s cricket

India have two stars on their hands

Pietersen also believes that India have two young stars in Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

“We’re seeing the future of the India top order in Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal,” Pietersen said.

“I would really strongly look at Jaiswal for the 50-over World Cup. I’d blood him and let him go. I think 50 overs is going to be a thing of the past in the not-too-distant future, but I’d get him into the squad straight away.

“The IPL gives young players three things. It gives them the opportunity to play, it gives them the visibility of the fans around the world, and it gives them the composure to be able to perform in the highest intensity of battle. Stadiums are full, everything’s busy, and it’s high intensity.

“If you come through that and tick all three boxes, then you’re destined to play international sport. 

“That’s what I’ve seen from these two youngsters in particular, they’re stars. They’re not just hit and miss cricketers, they’re absolute quality.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

ALSO READ | Anrich Nortje leaves IPL to return to SA for ‘personal emergency’

The Proteas wicketkeeper-batter has been a shock omission from Lucknow’s starting line-up but the got an opportunity after injury ruled out captain KL Rahul.

Titans top of IPL log

Chasing a mammoth target after Gujarat racked up 227/2 in the first innings of the game, De Kock hit 70 off 41 balls but his team could only muster a total of 171/7 to lose by 56 runs.

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For Gujarat, Proteas middle-order batter David Miller looked in fine touch as he bludgeoned smashed 21 not out off just 12 balls as his side posted the fourth-highest team total this season.

The victory saw defending champions Titans sitting pretty at the top of the league standings with eight wins in 11 matches, while the Super Giants are in third place.

MUST READ | Proteas T20, ODI fixtures v Australia confirmed: NO matches in Cape Town!

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The Capitals confirmed the news in a short statement, saying the Proteas fast bowler will not be available for Saturday’s encounter against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The statement said: “Owing to a personal emergency, Delhi Capitals fast bowler Anrich Nortje had to leave for South Africa late on Friday night.

“He will be unavailable for this evening’s game against Royal Challengers Bangalore.”

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The news will come as a big blow to the Capitals who sit at the bottom of the IPL standings having only won four of their 10 matches so far this season.

Norjte has picked up seven wickets in eight games this campaign and could be replaced in the staring line-up by fellow Proteas quick Lungi Ngidi.

MUST READ | Proteas T20, ODI fixtures v Australia confirmed: NO matches in Cape Town!

MUST READ | ‘Relaxed’ De Kock chilled over IPL splinters

According to TheSportsRush website, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain has numerous tattoos and he has explained the meanings of most of them.

However, during an IPL 2023 match between Bangalore and Chennai at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium this week, Du Plessis lifted his shirt to receive medical treatment to his ribs.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed a new tattoo over his left ribcage.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not in Arabic, but an Urdu word ‘Fazal’.

It translates to ‘Grace’ or ‘Blessing’, and a believer of the almighty.

ALSO READ: Boucher a fan of new IPL rules

Regarding Du Plessis’ other tattoos, he has one on his arm which reads “Dies a Domino XVIII I MMXI”. It symbolises his international debut for South Africa on 18 January 2011 in an ODI against India in Cape Town.

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In a video on RCB’s YouTube Channel, Du Plessis talked about the reason behind getting the same done.

Faf du Plessis made his Proteas Test debut in Australia

“My first one was, I always wanted to get something but I wasn’t sure what to get, so I just said to myself, I’ll know when it is the right thing to get. That’s the first day that I played for South Africa against India. My debut against India, where I scored 60 or something,” Du Plessis said in the video.

On the other side, he has a tattoo of a compass which is directed towards the Adelaide Oval. That was the venue of his Test debut.

In the same tattoo, the date of his marriage and the day he got baptised are also inscribed.

PICTURE | Epic tattoo FAILS: My friend’s Chinese tattoo means ‘Turkey Sandwich’

Du Plessis married Imari Visser in 2013.

Right above it, there is an “Agape” tattoo, which means unconditional love.

Du Plessis, now 38, played 69 Tests, 143 ODIs and 50 T20Is for South Africa between 2011 and 2021.

OOPS | Epic tattoo FAILS: This is amazingly – BAD!

ALSO READ: IPL 2023 – Which Proteas are in action

Du Plessis and Virat Kohli, who made 59, put together an opening stand of 137 to lay the foundations of Bangalore’s 174-4 after being sent in to bat in the opening match of the day at Mohali.

Siraj then returned impressive figures of 4-21 and forced a run out to dismiss Punjab for 150 in 18.2 overs for Bangalore’s third victory in six matches.

Kohli stood in as captain for Du Plessis, who made the team as a batsman due to a rib injury he picked in the previous match and was later substituted under the new impact player rule.

Faf du Plessis tops the run scorers charts

The South African had lived up to the designation with a 56-ball knock laced with five sixes. He tops the tournament’s batting chart with 343 runs, including four half-centuries.

Kohli has a total of 279 runs but Thursday’s knock lacked his usual aggression.

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Harpreet Brar broke the marathon stand to have Kohli caught behind and then snared Glenn Maxwell, who attempted to hit out on his first ball but was caught for a duck.

Fad du Plessis departed in the next over and the Punjab bowlers came back well to keep down Bangalore’s score despite a solid foundation that had raised hopes of a 200-plus total.

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Punjab lost wickets regularly in their reply and only Prabhsimran Singh, with a valiant 46 off 30 deliveries, and Jitesh Sharma’s late blitz of 41 represented any real fight.

Siraj got two breakthroughs at the start, including the dangerous England import Liam Livingstone for two, and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga bowled Australia’s Matthew Short for eight.

Sam Curran, leading the Kings for the second straight game in the absence of injured skipper Shikhar Dhawan, was run out for 10.

Siraj came back to rattle the stumps twice and become the leading bowler in the tournament with 12 wickets.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians win inaugural Women’s Premier League

RAbada in the IPL

Kagiso Rabada made his debut for the Delhi Daredevils in 2017. He stayed with the team collecting 4.20 Crore of Indian Rupees annually up to the 2021 season. During the 2022 auction he amassed a whopping 9.25 Crore and was bought by his current team the Punjab Kings. He held this fee for the current 2023 season- which means depending on when he cashes out his fee, he should collect just over R20 million.

ALSO READ: IPL 2023 – Which Proteas are in action

In 2020 the 28-year-old became the third South African to win the Purple Cap- the IPL prize for the most wickets taking in the tournament that year with 30 wickets at a a strike rate of 18.26. Morne Morkel was the first to nab the prize in 2012 for the Delhi Daredevils. In 2019 Imran Tahir took the honours as part of the Chennai Super Kings.

KG takes 100 wickets

Rabada is the 21st bowler to reach 100 wickets in the tournament but having done so in his 64th match with just 1438 balls- just shy of 240 overs, is the fastest. He has officially broken the record of Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga, who achieved the feat in 1622 balls, 270 overs and 70 matches.

ALSO READ: IPL update: Magala dismisses Stubbs to help CSK win

He is also the first South African to reach this milestone in the IPL as Dale Steyn retired in 2020 after taking 97 wickets.

With 183 wickets, West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, still tops the table for most IPL wickets. With age and, thus far, health on his side Rabada may just be setting his sights on that next.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY ZAREENA GAIBEE

Pietersen learned of his big IPL deal while on tour in the Caribbean with England.

Kevin Pietersen is the ‘Dumb Slog Millionaire’

After an unfortunate dismissal, one canny wordsmith was quick to label the England star the ‘Dumb Slog Millionaire’.

ALSO READ: Magala makes IPL debut for CSK

Pietersen told Betway: “I went into the auction in the second year of the IPL. We were playing a Test match in the Caribbean and Freddie and I woke up one morning, went down to breakfast, and we’d just been bought for $1.5m each.

“That day I proceeded to bat well. And I just decided, right, the spinner’s tossing it up. So I went six, six, out, got out for 97. The headline the next day was ‘Dumb Slog Millionaire’.”

ALSO READ: MCC bestows Honorary Life Membership on SA-born England great Kevin Pietersen

Pressure cooker IPL

ALSO READ: Faf du Plessis sends another message to Proteas

Pietersen says that the IPL brings pressure that is not present in any other franchise T20 event.

“All the best players know, they block out their two months of the year, that’s when they’re going to go and do their service.

“There’s a lot of pressure. I remember speaking to De Villiers and Kohli about this three or four years ago. They say it’s like the Champions League.

“These guys are turning up knowing this is not just a free ride to go and earn a quick buck. They really have to perform.”

Lasith Malinga leaves Kevin Pietersen speechless

One player in the IPL who really left an impression on Kevin Pietersen was Sri Lankan yorker expert Lasith Malinga.

“It was the uniqueness of his action, of where the ball was delivered.

“What should be shown more is how he practised. He would just put a boot on the popping crease on the other side and he’d run in and just hit that boot. Wouldn’t worry about slower balls, wide slower balls, slower-ball bouncers. There’s a boot, *whoosh*, *whoosh*, and he’d run in and just hit that boot.”

IPL showed Warne was a great captain

Pietersen believes that the IPL showed the cricketing world that the late Shane Warne was a great skipper.

“I think what the IPL did for Warnie was it gave him that authority to show people that he’s a pretty good captain.

“He didn’t have great players and a team where you thought, ‘Rajasthan Royals are going to clean up here’. Absolutely not.

“That real strength of his to make people believe they’re so much better than they are. It showed.

Lovers of the IPL in South Africa will now be able to watch all 74 matches live on SuperSport.

IPL will be live on SuperSport

With 17 South African players set to compete in what has become a staple of the cricket calendar, the decision to let the rights go caused some consternation.

ALSO READ: Proteas desperate to avoid going to Zimbabwe

However, SuperSport and DStv announced that a deal had been done on Friday 31 March just hours before the opening fixture.

“Following updated conversations with the rights holder, DStv can confirm that all Indian Premier League matches in 2023 will be broadcast on SuperSport,” read a statement from DStv.

ALSO READ: Boucher a fan of new IPL rules

“Your World of Champions SuperSport reached a commercial agreement with the rights holders to broadcast the IPL, starting today.”

ALSO READ: What needs to happen for the Proteas to qualify for the World Cup

The whole shebang

The entirety of the 2023 IPL will be live on SuperSport, so subscribers can track their favourite players and teams 

“All 74 matches of the 16th tournament will be broadcast live,” DStv declared.

ALSO READ: Top South African umpire Shaun George retires

SuperSport have broadcast every single match in the IPL and that streak will now continue.

“We are very happy to have reached an agreement to continue our partnership with the IPL that extends back to the inaugural event in 2008,” said Marc Jury, chief executive of SuperSport.”

The opening fixture, between the Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, will be broadcast live on DStv channel 212 from 16:00.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

ALSO READ | IPL 2023: Five key players to watch

SuperSport confirmed the news in a tweet on Thursday, posting: “SuperSport previously held broadcast rights to the IPL. Discussions with the rights holder have unfortunately been unsuccessful and SuperSport will therefore not broadcast the IPL as of this year’s edition.”

Whether the news comes as blow – or a ‘who cares’ – for cricket fans remains to be seen.

Let us know how YOU feel by clicking on the ‘comments’ button below this article.

The 16th edition of the IPL starts on Friday, 31 March.

MUST READ | IPL 2023: Teams, captains, key players – and MORE

As reported by The South African website, a total of 17 South Africans will be representing the 10 teams in this year’s competition.

IPL 2023 WILL FEATURE 74 MATCHES

Friday’s opening match will see the defending champions Gujarat Titans take on the Chennai Super Kings.

The first ball will be bowled at 16:00 (SA time).

In total 74 matches will be played over 58 days with the final scheduled for Sunday, 28 May.

IN CLOSING | TOP SOUTH AFRICAN UMPIRE SHAUN GEORGE RETIRES

The IPL gets underway next Friday and runs for nearly two months.

Rohit Sharma insists players must manage workloads in IPL

ALSO READ: Sisanda Magala joins Chennai Super Kings in IPL

As things stand, the IPL features a total of 70 matches and franchises are all hell-bent on winning the tournament.

While team leadership aren’t out to jeopardise any of the player’s careers, Rohit stressed that players themselves need to step up and speak out if their workload becomes too much to bear.

ALSO READ: Verreynne slams ’embarrassing’ domestic cricket planning

“It’s all up to the franchises now. They own them now,” Rohit, who also captains the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, said this week.

“We have given some indications to the teams but at the end of the day, it’s up to the franchises, and more importantly, it’s up to the players.

ALSO READ: Miller happy to choose Proteas over Gujarat

“They are all adults, they have to look after their bodies.

“If they feel it’s getting a bit too much, they can talk about it and take a break in one or two games. I doubt if that will happen.”

ALSO READ: South African umpire Adrian Holdstock elevated to elite panel

Backed to his back

Rohit might well be hoping that some of India’s stars can play themselves back into form during the IPL.

He was asked about Suryakumar Yadav, who was dismissed for a duck in each innings during the recent ODI series loss against Australia.

“I don’t know how much to look into it. He got three good balls, to be honest,” Rohit said when asked about his form.

“He plays spin so well … That’s why we held him back and gave him that role for the last 15-20 overs where he can play his game, but it’s really unfortunate he could only play three balls. That can happen to anyone.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

ALSO READ: New Proteas limited overs coach Rob Walter dreaming big

The 32-year-old comes in as a late replacement for New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson who was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a recurrence of a lower-back stress fracture.

Sisanda Magala on IPL debut

Magala has never featured in the IPL before and went unsold in December’s mini-auction, but will join Chennai for his base price of roughly R1.1 million.

ALSO READ: Proteas will be okay despite lack of star names

The burly paceman was a standout performer for champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the inaugural edition of the SA20 earlier this year.

Magala finished the competition as the joint-fifth highest wicket-taker with 14 victims at an economy-rate of of 8.68.

He is also a handy lower-order batter and has two half-centuries in his domestic T20 career.

The IPL is set to start on Friday, 31 March with Chennai Super Kings taking on defending champions Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad in the opening match.

MUST READ | Verreynne slams ’embarrassing’ domestic cricket planning

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He has succeeded former Sunrisers captain, New Zealander Kane Williamson.

Hyderabad won the IPL in 2016.

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Markram, who was recently recalled to the Proteas Test squad, captained the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the inaugural SA20 title earlier this month.

Aiden Markram could be new Proteas T20I skipper

He is also among the candidates to become South Africa’s T20I captaincy after Temba Bavuma relinquished the T20I captaincy recently.

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Meanwhile, Australian batsman David Warner has been appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals.

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel will be the Capitals’ vice-captain.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was the Capitals’ captain in 2022, but has since been sidelined by multiple injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident.

The 2023 IPL – which will be the 16th edition – is scheduled to start on 31 March.

ALSO READ: Axed Proteas batsman sends a message

He breaks a mark formerly held by South African allrounder Chris Morris. Morris’s deal was worth $2.25 million at the time, but inflation and global economic uncertainty have caused the Indian rupee to decline since.

Sam Curran makes IPL history

This year, several of the best cricketers in the world were auctioned off, including the left-arm quick and hand middle-order batsman.

In the T20 World Cup, Curran was named Player of the Tournament for his abilities as a “death bowler” who shut down rival batsmen in the last embers of an innings, making him an effective weapon for England.

Curran enjoyed a strong run with Chennai Super Kings but left after suffering a back injury and missing the 2022 tournament.

With a strike rate of around 150, Curran was selected for the top band of the auction list alongside powerful countryman Ben Stokes.

Mini-auction a big moment

The Friday auction will include more than 400 participants in the southern city of Kochi.

Pre-pandemic estimates indicated that the IPL brought in more than $11 billion for the economy annually, making it a significant revenue generator for Indian cricket.

ALSO READ: The top ten highest-paid women in sport in 2022

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sold the broadcast rights to major international media conglomerates for a staggering $6.2 billion in June.

This year, it was expanded to feature 10 franchises competing in 74 games, culminating in a final in front of 105 000 spectators in Ahmedabad’s largest cricket stadium and millions more following on television and cellphones.

With five titles under their belts, Mumbai Indians are the richest and most successful team in IPL history.

The groundbreaking IPL helped make Twenty20 enormously popular. Drawing hundreds of millions of spectators and inspiring copycat events throughout the world by luring some of world cricket’s finest talents with lucrative wages.

A five-team women’s edition of the event will debut in March of next year, just before the IPL.

ALSO READ | PROTEAS LEGEND PAT SYMCOX BACK HOME AFTER HEALTH SCARE

On Tuesday, 15 November, the 10 teams confirmed their squads and submitted their retained and released players list for what will be the 16th edition of the world’s most lucrative T20 event.

Teenage star Dewald Brevis was one of the notable retentions by the Mumbai Indians along with Tristan Stubbs.

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David Miller steered the Gujurat Titans to their maiden IPL title earlier this year, scoring 481 runs in his 16 games at an average of 68.71, as was predictably retained.

Faf du Plessis, who captained the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022, was also retained after scoring 468 runs in his 16 innings.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock was the highest-scoring South African in this year’s IPL – and the third-highest overall – with 508 runs in 15 games. There was little doubt the Lucknow Super Giants weren’t going to retain their star man.

Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada was also retained by the Punjab Kings after taking 23 wickets at an average of 17.65 in 13 IPL games in 2022.

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Others to be retained from a South African point of view were Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi (both Delhi Capitals), Dwaine Pretorius (Chennai Super Kings), Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram (both Sunrisers Hyderabad).

The IPL 2023 mini-auction will take place in Kochi on 23 December.

No official date has been set for the start of next year’s tournament.

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South African IPL players retained:

Delhi Capitals – Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

Mumbai Indians – Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs

Royal Challengers Bangalore – Faf du Plessis

Chennai Super Kings – Dwaine Pretorius

Lucknow Super Giants – Quinton de Kock 

Gujarat Titans – David Miller

Punjab Kings – Kagiso Rabada

Sunrisers Hyderabad – Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram

BREAKING: DAVID MILLER BLASTS GUJARAT TITANS TO IPL TITLE IN FRONT OF RECORD CROWD

In Sunday’s IPL final, Miller made 32* off 19 balls as the Titans beat the Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets to claim a historic title.

In an interview before the title decider, Miller told Cricinfo that his standout season was largely down to working hard and a shift in his mindset.

“I have never really felt like I have been a player who struggled against spin, [but] it is an area I had to improve, and in the last three-four years, I have changed my mindset against spin,” Miller said. 

“It’s about making sure, especially in T20 cricket, [that] I impose myself. I am looking to score every ball, but when there is a bad ball, I am at least in a good position to put it away for four or six.

“Obviously, it then creates pressure on the bowler as opposed to the bowler settling in. That’s one of the things mentally I have tried to improve,” he added.

This season’s IPL final saw a new record attendance for a cricket match, attracting a crowd of 104 859, organisers said.

Hardik Pandya took 3/17 (4) as Rajasthan were restricted to just 130/9 from their allotted 20 overs, with Jos Buttler top-scoring with 39 (35). 

In reply, Gujarat were in early trouble but opener Shubnam Gill (45* off 43), Pandya (34 off 30) and superstar South African David Miller (32 off 19) ensured their team would get across the line.

Scores in brief, with Miller finishing unbeaten on 32:

Gujarat 130/9 in 20 (Buttler 39, Pandya 3/14)

Rajasthan 133/3 in 18.1 (Gill 45*, Miller 32*, Pandya 34)

Gujarat won by 7 wickets. 

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The first delivery is due to be bowled at 16:30 (SA time).

READ | ICC HAND NINE-MONTH BAN TO PROTEAS BATSMAN ZUBAYR HAMZA

The Gujarat Titans will take on Rajasthan Royals, ironically the first time Gujarat will get to play at home in the IPL!

Gujarat’s fairytale debut in the IPL began with a win over fellow newbies Lucknow Super Giants and they have never looked back since.

Topping the round robin league table with 10 wins and just four losses, Ashish Nehra’s men proved all the pre-season critics wrong with consistent top class all-round team performances to become the first team since the inaugural IPL season to reach the final in a debut appearance.

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With the match being staged at the Titans’ home ground, there is likely to be a vociferous and partisan crowd whose support has already been rewarded with their team making the final. Despite some of the season’s best stats with both bat and ball, the Titans’ batters have managed on average just five sixes per match – the fewest of any team. A marked improvement in getting the ball over the ropes may well see them take the trophy at their first attempt.

Rajasthan (W9-L5), who placed second in the league table, made the most of their second bite of the cherry in the playoffs.

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Having lost to the Titans in the first qualifier, they went on to beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ‘Qualifier 2’ by seven-wickets.

Once again the Royals faithful had Orange cap owner Jos Buttler (824 runs, ave 58.86) to thank as he made his fourth century of the campaign (106*) in their pursuit of the 157/8 posted by RCB.

Buttler, along with the Royals’ most prolific bowler Yuzivendra Chahal (26 wickets, ave 19.50), have arguably carried their team through to the final, and it is now the last chance now for the ‘also rans’ to step up to the plate.

READ | FAF DU PLESSIS A BETTER SKIPPER THAN VIRAT KOHLI? ONE INDIA GREAT SAYS YES!

Buttler’s heroic effort with the willow has the Royals owning some of the best stats in the batting discipline, but it is with the ball in hand where improvement is needed if they are to take home the silverware.

So far this season the Men in Pink’s attack are leaking on average 168.69 runs per match, with only the Capitals and the Sunrisers’ bowlers having conceded more.

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Key battle

Yet again spin wizard Rashid Khan has had another fantastic IPL. He has conjured up 18 wickets at 22.38 apiece and has been going at a miserly 6.73 rpo (fifth best this season). In addition to his well documented domination of Jos Buttler (four dismissals at an average of 6.25), he could also have a bowl at the hard-hitting Shimron Hetmyer (SR-157.81) whom he has dismissed four times in 10 T20s at a cost of 15.75 runs with a strike rate of 140.

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Stat attack

– The average first innings score for IPL cricket in Ahmedabad is 158, with 179 the highest.

– Rajasthan have struck the most sixes in a match 10 times this year (133 in total) compared with just twice for Gujarat (75).

– The Royals have recorded the largest opening partnership of a match 11 times this season.

– Titans’ paceman Lockie Ferguson’s 153.9km/h delivery against CSK has only been bettered by the Sunrisers’ Umran Malik.

– The Royals have just one batter in this seasons’ top 10 ‘most run table’ compared to the Titans who have three.

– Every IPL match so far at this venue has seen at least 10 total sixes scored.

NOTE: If the live scoring below does not display, please click HERE

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Bangalore crashed out of the lucrative T20 tournament on Friday after going down by seven wickets to the Rajasthan Royals after England’s Jos Buttler hammered an unbeaten 106 chasing a target of 158.

Faf du Plessis join RCB from the Super Kings

The wait for the elusive first IPL trophy continues for Bangalore, but Manjreker believes the men in red can take plenty of positives from their campaign.

REVEALED: WARNE COMPLAINED OF CHEST PAINS BEFORE TRAGIC DEATH

Kohli stepped down from the captaincy before this season’s tournament with Faf du Plessis taking over having been bought in the auction after several years with Chennai Super Kings.

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Manjreker said: “RCB have had a slightly better season. Some good things have happened.

“Faf du Plessis has looked like a better leader than Virat Kohli. But more is expected of them. Having come this far, they should have won.

“They’ll know exactly what has gone wrong and what has prevented them from going on to win gold instead of bronze.”

He added: “A lot of credit around the bowling unit has to go to Faf. That’s where we see the captaincy at its best.

“More often than not, he got it right. He started the season well with the bat but, like a lot of other players, he too had a split season.

“Still, he’s the right option to continue as captain according to me.”

Rajasthan Royals will now take on Gujarat Titans in the IPL final to be played in Ahmedabad on Sunday, 29 May.

The first ball is due to be bowled at 16:30 (SA time).

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It was an ignominious start for Du Plessis, who was out first ball thanks to an outswinger from Lucknow Super Giants paceman Moshin Khan.

However, Bangalore recovered with aplomb, thanks in main to a thrilling 112 not out off just 54 balls by newcomer Rajat Patidar.

Bangalore won by 14 runs

Bangalore posted 207/4 in their allotted 20 overs and their bowlers then restricted Lucknow to 193/6, with right-arm medium bowler Harshal Patel showing great skill with the ball at the death.

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“Today was a special day… the guys put in a special performance,” said the former Proteas captain at the post-match presentation.

“For a young guy [Patidar] to play as he did… the way he celebrated also tells you he has a good head on his shoulders. His hundred was one of the best I have seen in the IPL.

“Our bowlers were clear and calm and that was good. He has got all the shots. Every single time he attacks, he transfers the pressure back on the opposition. It is important to celebrate this despite something big coming up.

“We were very happy as a group. As a group, we needed some calm presence. We didn’t feel like it was a big game. Everyone was calm and relaxed. Harshal is the joker in the pack. A special card I can pick. He bowls the important overs. The second last one over from him changed the game for us.”

Bangalore will face the Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad on Friday, 27 May to determine who will go on to play the Gujarat Titans in the final on Sunday, 29 May.

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However, that all changed on Thursday as Kohli scored a sensational 73 off just 54 balls against the Gujarat Titans, combining with in-form Faf du Plessis (44) to help lead RCB to a comfortable eight-wicket win.

READ | QUINTON DE KOCK SMASHES 140 IN STUNNING IPL KNOCK

After the game, Du Plessis provided a fascinating insight into the energy Kohli creates as a player.

“I understand Virat in the sense that it gets him going,” Du Plessis told Star Sports. “It’s that fire, that personality, the character. So I play the role with him, I am getting pumped up. And it’s really fun to bat out there when he is going like that. He has got so much emotion he pulls you with you. In the sense that you are almost ready to play a rugby match. Because of all the energy going through you.”

Kohli has played 221 IPL matches

Meanwhile, Kohli described how a mindset shift enabled him to finally get back to free-scoring form.

“You just need to keep the perspective right,” Kohli said. “You need to understand there are expectations because of what you have achieved and what you have done over so many years. And sometimes what happens is that in the need to perform and live up to those standards you kind of forget the process that why you ended up performing so well or so much over the years.

“So you just need to go back to the drawing board and say you know what I just want to look at the ball and hit it. Sometimes you can think of all the things that can go wrong and not the things that can go right when you are on the field. So I worked really hard before this game. I batted about 90 minutes in the net yesterday. I kept backing myself every ball. I wanted clarity every ball that I played. And I was able to achieve that for 90 minutes.’

“So I came to this game very free. And relaxed that I can back myself every ball out there and not think of what if something goes wrong. So that’s something that you can tend to go into when you have a lot of expectations from yourself.”

You can see the interview between Du Plessis and Kohli here

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The Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman opened the innings and hit an unbeaten 140 off just 70 balls.

Fellow opener and captain KL Rahul scored 68 not out off 58 deliveries to help the Super Giants post a total of 210 without loss in their allotted 20 overs.

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De Kock’s 140 sits only behind Chris Gayle’s 175* in 2013 and Brendon McCullum’s 158* in 2008 on the list of highest individual scores in the history of the IPL.

Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul the first openers to carry their bats

De Kock, who hit 10 fours and 10 sixes in his knock, and Rahul also became the first opening partnership in IPL history to bat through an innings.

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Incredibly, the Knight Riders should’ve won the match as they needed just three runs off the last two balls.

However, Australian Marcus Stoinis won the game for the Super Giants with wickets off both those deliveries.

Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer (50 off 29), Nitish Rana (42 off 22), Sam Billings (36 off 24) and Rinku Singh (40 off 15) kept them in the run-chase, but they ultimately fell just short, losing by two runs.

The Super Giants have booked their place in the playoffs, while the Knight Riders missed out this season.

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JUST IN: STUBBS RECEIVES PROTEAS CALL-UP, NORTJE MEDICALLY CLEARED TO PLAY

RCB announced both Chris Gayle and De Villiers as the first two inductees into their hall of fame, with Virat Kohli offering a heartfelt tribute as the announcement was made.

De Villiers scored 4491 IPL runs for the RCB in 156 games, while overall he scored 5162 runs at an average of 31.60 in the popular Indian Premier League (having previously also played for the Delhi Daredevils).

Ahead of IPL 2022, the 38-year-old announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

“Huge privilege guys! Thank you very much for the wonderful gesture. I’ll forever be an RCB’ian,” De Villiers tweeted.

Meanwhile, during a Zoom appearance, he admitted to being rather emotional.

“Quite emotional, to be honest. I’ve been a little out of cricket, as you know. Just watching you guys on TV really gets me excited about the things that’s still coming in the season, I believe it is going to be a special one,” De Villiers said on the video call.

“Virat, thanks for the kind words and everyone from the franchise who set this up, this is a really special touch. We had some amazing time together as a team. The sun has moved on for Chris and I, but we are very much part of the family.”

De Villiers made the following statement after retiring from all forms of cricket at the end of 2021:

“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket,” ABD wrote on Twitter. “Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly.

“That’s the reality I must accept – and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I’ve had my time. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me.”

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Coulter-Nile suffered a calf injury in March and has been ruled out for the rest of the Twenty20 tournament, said an IPL statement.

Corbin Bosch has played just 30 T20 matches in total

The 27-year-old Bosch, who was part of the Rajasthan Royals squad as a net bowler, has played just 30 Twenty20 matches since his debut in the shorter format in 2014.

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Rajasthan Royals, who won the inaugural edition of the T20 tournament in 2008 under late Australian legend Shane Warne, are currently third on the points table with 14 points from 12 games.

Corbin Bosch plays his domestic cricket in Mzansi for the Titans.

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Rabada recorded figures of 3-21 in four overs as RCB could only reach a total of 155/9 chasing a stiff target of 210.

Kagiso Rabada dismissed Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli got the run-chase off to a fast start with the former India captain hitting 20 off just 14 balls, but was dismissed by Rabada in the fourth over.

The innings then never had any momentum as Faf du Plessis’ charges lost wickets at regular intervals to fall well short.

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Earlier, England internationals Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone struck quick half-centuries as the Punjab Kings posted 209/9 in their 20 overs.

Opener Bairstow struck 66 off 29 deliveries while Livingstone came to the crease in the middle overs and smashed 70 off just 42 balls.

READ | STRUGGLING VIRAT KOHLI MUTES TV TO SILENCE CRITICS

Harshal Patel was the pick of the Bangalore bowlers with the seamer recording figures of 4-34 in his four overs.

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Despite their defeat, Bangalore stayed fourth in the standings with one match to play while Punjab Kings are in sixth spot with two games remaining.

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The 21-year-old, who plays his domestic cricket for the Warriors, is an injury replacement after England bowler Tymal Mills was ruled out of the tournament.

Mills played five matches this season, picking up six wickets at an economy of 11.17.

READ | PROTEAS BATSMAN HEADS FOR HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS

He last played on 16 April 16 against Lucknow Super Giants, where he conceded 54 runs from three wicketless overs.

Tristan Stubbs set the domestic T20 Challenge alight earlier this year as he smashed 293 runs in seven innings, averaging 48.83 at an impressive strike rate of 183.12 that included 23 sixes in the competition.

READ | KEVIN PIETERSEN BACKS SA COACH FOR ENGLAND JOB

His prolific form for the Warriors saw him receive a call-up to the South Africa ‘A’ team currently playing in a T20 series in Zimbabwe.

Mumbai Indians are last in the log

Stubbs will join Mumbai Indians for a reported price of INR 20 lakh ($26 000 or R416 000).

He will also hope to lift the spirits of the Mumbai Indians who have only won two of their 10 matches thus far and lie stone last in the standings and out of playoff contention.

The Mumbai Indians, who are the most decorated team in IPL history with five wins and a runner-up finish, have four matches remaining in a forgettable campaign this time around.

If Stubbs plays in all four of those matches (unlikely), he’ll earn around R104 000 per match. Not bad for 20-overs-a-side of hit-and-giggle cricket!

Tristan Stubbs will join compatriot Dewald Brevis in the Mumbai Indians squad.

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The 21-year-old, who plays his domestic cricket for the Warriors, is an injury replacement after England bowler Tymal Mills was ruled out of the tournament.

Mills played five matches this season, picking up six wickets at an economy of 11.17.

READ | PROTEAS BATSMAN HEADS FOR HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS

He last played on 16 April 16 against Lucknow Super Giants, where he conceded 54 runs from three wicketless overs.

Tristan Stubbs set the domestic T20 Challenge alight earlier this year as he smashed 293 runs in seven innings, averaging 48.83 at an impressive strike rate of 183.12 that included 23 sixes in the competition.

READ | KEVIN PIETERSEN BACKS SA COACH FOR ENGLAND JOB

His prolific form for the Warriors saw him receive a call-up to the South Africa ‘A’ team currently playing in a T20 series in Zimbabwe.

Mumbai Indians are last in the log

Stubbs will join Mumbai Indians for a price of INR 20 lakh ($26 000 or R417 000).

He will also hope to lift the spirits of the Mumbai Indians who have only one of their nine matches thus far and lie stone last in the standings and out of playoff contention.

The Mumbai Indians, who are the most decorated team in IPL history with five wins and a runner-up finish, have five matches remaining in a forgettable campaign this time around.

Tristan Stubbs will join compatriot Dewald Brevis in the Mumbai Indians squad.

READ | GRAEME SMITH ARBITRATION AWARD: READ ALL 95 PAGES HERE

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Kambole has failed to make an impact in South African football and after just two goals in three seasons for Chiefs, is linked to Zanaco FC. 

Kambole has not convinced

Kambole arrived in South Africa with a big reputation, having impressed Chiefs while playing against them in the CAF Confederations Cup. Therefore, fans of the Amakhosi were initially excited about his acquisition, having witnessed first hand what he is capable. Even though he seemed to be a confident goal machine in Zambia, he has turned out to be a shadow of his former self at Chiefs.

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Due to Kambole’s failure to convince any of the Chiefs coaches during his now three-years at the club, it is largely expected that the player will be deemed surplus to requirements and subsequently shown the door at the end of the season. It has hardly been a secret that the Soweto giants had put the player on the transfer list for at least a season and a half now, as different coaches must have all seen early on in his career in South African football, that he wasn’t going to be a success this side.

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Chiefs were reportedly hoping to cash in, on the player at the start of this season and even in January but there were no buyers that came to the table. This despite widespread rumours that Tanzanian giants Yanga SC had sent a delegate to South Africa to strike a deal over Kambole. Perhaps, as a possible mitigating factor for the Zambian international’s failures, he got very little opportunity to play as the central striker, a position that he was thriving in, during his time in Zambia.

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Working closely with 22-year-old Umran Malik, Steyn believes the fast bowler has all the talent to make it far in international cricket, with many believing the youngster could be fast-tracked into the Indian T20 team.

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Steyn also revealed how they are managing the young fast bowler

“Umran will play international cricket, no doubt about that,” Steyn commented in an interview with Sportstar. “He bowls at 150kmph consistently, and nobody else is doing that in the world right now, maybe Lockie Ferguson is the other guy who does it, but they are very different bowlers. But from an Indian point of view, he is the only guy that consistently bowls over 145-150kmph every single ball, so he will play for India. But how India manages him is completely up to them.

“I think the more he plays, the more he will get better. And he is figuring his skills out there on the field. I think he is led by Kane (Williamson) well. And, we have made 100 per cent sure that there’s somebody next to him that he can have a conversation with if he finds himself in a difficult position,” Steyn said.

“So, we have tried to structure it that way he’s bowling – we have got somebody like Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) or Nattu (T. Natarajan) very close to him, like middle for mid-on, or even Kane, just so that they can speak to him if he finds himself in a difficult situation. But overall, I just think that everybody has been given the freedom to express themselves and play in the manner in which they feel is best suited to them…”

Sunrisers will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Brabourne Stadium on Saturday.

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READ | EVERY PLAYER SIGNED BY EVERY TEAM

Now 37 years old, Du Plessis has fallen by the wayside in terms of T20 selection at a national level. At the beginning of 2021, he announced his retirement from Test cricket in order to make the T20 format his priority, but the classy batsman was overlooked when the Proteas made their selection for the latest World Cup event.

Nevertheless, Du Plessis has again demonstrated some sensational form at the latest edition of the Indian Premier League, with the former Proteas captain having scored a superb 96 for Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday, while he has tallied 250 runs in total an an average of 35 so far this season.

He has now moved up to third on the runs-scorers list, just behind KL Rhaul, while in-form Jos Buttler is the runaway leader with 375 runs at an incredible average of 75.

“My elusive IPL hundred… I feel it is around the corner,” said man of the match Du Plessis, who equalled his previous IPL best of 96 against Punjab Kings in 2019.

“I wanted to make a big impact because the last few games had been quiet for me. I went through my own processes and blueprint for scoring runs so I had a clear mental image going into this match and I am glad that it paid off.”

Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock is in ninth place on the run-scorers chart, while David Miller is in 16th, with Aiden Markram two places behind him.

On the table for most wickets, Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is in 17th place after taking seven wickets with an economy rate of 8.00.

Below you can see the full list of South African stars who will be involved at the IPL this season, and what price tag they fetched. You can also check out the full squad lists and team information by clicking here

READ | IPL AUCTION: STUPID MONEY PAID FOR SOME VERY AVERAGE PLAYERS

The 11 South Africans who will be in IPL action are:

Kagiso Rabada: $1.233 million (R18.75 million)
Faf du Plessis: $933 000 (R14.2 million)
Quinton de Kock: $900 000 (R13.7 million)
Anrich Nortje: $866 000 (R13.2 million)*
Marco Jansen: $560 000 (R8.5 million)
David Miller: $400 000 (R6.1 million)
Dewald Brevis: $400 000 (R6.1 million)
Aiden Markram: $346 000 (R5.3 million)
Rassie van der Dussen: $133 000 (R2 million)
Dewaine Pretorius: $66 000 (R1 million)
Lungi Ngidi: $66 000 (R1 million)

Calculated at current exchange rate of $1/R15.21

READ | DEWALD BREVIS: THE 18-YEAR-OLD WITH A R6 MILLION IPL CONTRACT

Notable South Africa players who went under the hammer but failed to sell, included:

Imran Tahir
Tabraiz Shamsi
Janneman Malan
Rilee Rossouw
Heinrich Klaasen
Duan Jansen
Gerald Coetzee

The remainder of the South Africans below didn’t go under the hammer.

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Both Proteas stars are set to open the batting for their respective sides.

Quinton de Kock will keep wicket for the Super Giants

The two teams have both played six matches to date in the tournament and both have won four and lost two to be tied on eight log points. 

Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and asked Royal Challengers Bangalore to bat. 

READ | IPL PLAYER SAYS DRUNK TEAM-MATE DANGLED HIM FROM 15TH-FLOOR BALCONY!

TEAMS

Royal Challengers Bangalore 

Faf du Plessis (captain), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik (wkt), Suyash Prabhudessai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj

Super Giants 

KL Rahul (captain), Quinton de Kock (wkt), Manish Pandey, Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Dushmantha Chameera, Ravi Bishnoi

READ | QUINTON DE KOCK STRIKES IT RICH IN THE HUNDRED DRAFT

NOTE: If the live scoring below does not display, please click HERE

READ | BANGLADESH BOWLER FINED FOR HURLING BALL AT PROTEAS BATSMAN

It’s been a challenging season for Brevis’ Mumbai Indians, with the former champions increasingly entrusting the 18-year-old to fulfil a crucial top-order batting role.

Playing against the Punjab Kings in Pune on Wednesday, Brevis duly smashed 49 off 25 balls – albeit in a losing cause – falling just one short run of becoming the first teenager outside of India to score a IPL half century.

Brevis was particularly brutal in one over against leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, smashing him for a boundary and four consecutive sixes, the last of which travelled 112 metres, the longest six in this year’s IPL to date.

Watch the stunning performance from Dewald Brevis below:

READ | IPL PLAYER SAYS DRUNK TEAM-MATE DANGLED HIM FROM 15TH-FLOOR BALCONY!

READ | BANGLADESH BOWLER FINED FOR HURLING BALL AT PROTEAS BATSMAN

It’s been a challenging season for the Mumbai Indians, with the former champions increasingly entrusting Brevis to fulfil a crucial top-order batting role.

Playing against the Punjab Kings in Pune on Wednesday, Brevis duly smashed 49 off 25 balls – albeit in a losing cause – falling just one run short of becoming the first teenager outside of India to score an IPL half century.

Brevis was particularly brutal in one over against leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, smashing him for a boundary and four consecutive sixes, the last of which travelled 112 metres, the longest six in this year’s IPL to date.

Watch the stunning performance from Dewald Brevis below:

READ | IPL PLAYER SAYS DRUNK TEAM-MATE DANGLED HIM FROM 15TH-FLOOR BALCONY!

READ | BANGLADESH BOWLER FINED FOR HURLING BALL AT PROTEAS BATSMAN

Playing against the Punjab Kings in Pune on Wednesday, Brevis duly smashed 49 off 25 balls – albeit in a losing cause – falling just one short run of becoming the first teenager outside of India to score a IPL half century.

Brevis was particularly brutal in one over against leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, smashing him for a boundary and four consecutive sixes, the last of which travelled 112 metres, the longest six in this year’s IPL to date.

Watch the stunning performance from Brevis below:

READ | IPL PLAYER SAYS DRUNK TEAM-MATE DANGLED HIM FROM 15TH-FLOOR BALCONY!

Meanwhile, take a look below at the full list of men’s and women’s squads after ‘The Hundred’ draft:

Oval Invincibles

Men: Sam Curran (centrally contracted), Rory Burns (centrally contracted), Sunil Narine (overseas), Jason Roy, Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Rilee Rossouw (overseas), Reece Topley, Danny Briggs, Hilton Cartwright (overseas), Matt Milnes, Jack Leaning, Jordan Cox, Nathan Sowter

Women: Dane van Niekerk (Overseas), Marizanne Kapp (overseas), Tash Farrant, Shabnam Ismail (Overseas), Maddy Villiers, Lauden Winfield-Hill, Alice Capsey, Aylish Cranstone, Danielle Gregory, Grace Gibbs, Emily Windsor, Eva Gray, Kira Chathli, Emma Jones

London Spirit

Men: Zak Crawley, Mark Wood (both centrally contracted), Kieron Pollard (Overseas), Glenn Maxwell (Overseas), Liam Dawson, Eoin Morgan, Riley Meredith (overseas), Jordan Thompson, Mason Crane, Dan Lawrence, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Chris Wood, Adam Rossington, Ravi Bopara, Blake Cullen, Brad Wheat

Women: Heather Knight, Beth Mooney (Overseas), Amelia Kerr (Overseas), Megan Schutt (Overseas), Freya Davies, Sophie Luff, Charlie Dean, Danielle Gibson, Amara Carr, Naomi Dattani, Grace Scrivens, Alice Monaghan

Northern Superchargers

Men: Ben Stokes, Dwayne Bravo (Overseas), Adil Rashid, David Willey, Faf du Plessis (Overseas), Wahab Riaz (Overseas), Harry Brook, Adam Hose, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, John Simpson, Roelof van der Merwe, Adam Lyth, Luke Wright, Callum Parkinson

Women: Jemimah Rodrigues (Overseas), Alyssa Healy (Overseas), Laura Wolvaardt (Overseas), Jenny Gunn, Linsey Smith, Alice Davidson-Richards, Hollie Armitage, Beth Langston, Katie Levick, Bess Heath, Kalea Moore, Lizz Russell, Lucy Higham

Southern Brave

Men: Jofra Archer, Quinton de Kock (Overseas), Marcus Stoinis (Overseas), James Vince, Tymal Mills, Chris Jordan, George Garton, Alex Davies, Jake Lintott, Rehan Ahmed, Tim David (Overseas), Rose Whiteley, Craig Overton, Jose Weatherley, Dan Moriarty

Women: Danny Wyatt, Smriti Mandhana (Overseas), Sophia Dunkley, Anya Shrubsole, Amanda Jade-Wellington, Tahlia McGrath, Maia Bouchier, Lauren Bell, Carla Rudd, Georgia Adams, Tara Norris, Jo Gardner, Paige Schofield, Freya Kemp, Ella McCaughan

Birmingham Phoenix

Men: Chris Woakes (centrally contracted), Jack Leach (centrally contracted), Matthew Wade (overseas), Liam Livingstone, Olly Stone, Moeen Ali, Adam Milne (overseas), Benny Howell, Kane Richardson (overseas), Tom Abell, Matthew Fisher, Will Smeed, Chris Benjamin, Miles Hammond, Graeme van Buuren, Henry Brookes

Women: Amy Jones, Sophie Devine (Overseas), Elysse Perry (Overseas), Sophie Molineux (Overseas), Georgia Elwiss, Kristie Gordon, Issy Wong, Eve Jones, Emily Arlott, Gwen Davies, Abtaha Maqsood, Ria Fackrell, Phoebe Franklin, Sterre Kalis

Welsh Fire

Men: Jonny Bairstow, Ollie Pope (both centrally contracted), Jo Clarke, Tom Banton, Adam Zampa (overseas), Ben Duckett, David Miller (overseas), Jake Ball, Nasim Shah (overseas), David Payne, Sam Hain, Leus Du Plooy, Matt Critchley, Ryan Higgins, Jacob Bethell, Josh Cob

Women: Tammy Beaumont, Rachael Haynes (overseas), Annabel Sutherland (overseas), Fran Wilson, Katie George, Hayley Mathews (Overseas), Alex Heartley, Claire Nicholas, Fi Morris, Georgia Hennessy, Alex Griffiths, Sarah Bryce, Hannah Baker, Lauren Filer, Nicole Harvey

Manchester Originals

Men: Jos Buttler, Ollie Robinson (both centrally contracted), Andre Russell (overseas), Laurie Evans, Wanindu Hasaranga (overseas), Phil Salt, Daniel Worrall, Matt Parkinson, Sean Abbott (overseas), Jamie Overton, Tom Hartley, Tom Lammonby, Colin Ackermann, Wayne Madsen, Fred Klaassen, Calvin Harrison

Women: Sophie Ecclestone, Lizelle Lee (overseas), Kate Cross, Deandra Dottin (overseas), Emma Lamb, Amy Satterthwaite (overseas), Ellie Threlkeld, Cordelia Griffith, Hannah Jones, Ami Campbell, Georgie Boyce, Phoebe Graham, Laura Jackson, Grace Potts

Trent Rockets

Men: Joe Root, Dawid Malan (both Centrally contracted), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rashid Khan (overseas), Alex Hales, Lewis Gregory, Colin Munro, Ian Cockbain, Marchant de Lange (overseas), Luke Wood, Samit Patel, Matt Carter, Steven Mullaney, Sam Cook, Luke Fletcher, Tom Moores

Women: Nat Sciver, Meg Lanning (overseas), Katherine Brunt, Mignon du Preez (overseas), Sarah Glenn, Bryony Smith, Kathryn Bryce, Alana King (overseas), Abbey Freeborn, Mary Kelly, Sophie Munro, Alexa Stonehouse, Georgia Davis

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Brevis, who is still only 18, made his name known for the South Africa team at the U19 World Cup earlier this year.

After an impressive debut for the Mumbai Indians where he scored 29 off 19 balls, Dewald Brevis could only manage 8 off 11 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Dewald Brevis is a useful leg-spinner

He made up for it with the prized wicket of former Indian captain Virat Kohli – although replays suggest the umpire’s decision was a SHOCKER!

Kohli fell two short of his fifty after being trapped lbw Brevis, but looked unhappy with his dismissal after his umpire review was turned down.

READ | QUINTON DE KOCK STRIKES IT RICH IN THE HUNDRED DRAFT

Replays suggested that he got an inside edge, but the third-umpire unbelievably had other ideas and gave Kohli his marching orders.

Bangalore went on to win the match by seven wickets, leaving Mumbai Indians with their fourth straight loss.

Mumbai Indians are currently ninth in the 10-team table with zero points after four matches, only ahead of the bottom-placed Chennai Super Kings on net run rate.

READ | IPL PLAYER SAYS DRUNK TEAM-MATE DANGLED HIM FROM 15TH-FLOOR BALCONY!

READ | QUINTON DE KOCK STRIKES IT RICH IN THE HUNDRED DRAFT

Dewald Brevis, who is still only 18, who made his name known for the South Africa team at the U19 World Cup earlier this year, hit 29 off just 19 balls as Mumbai posted 161/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Pat Cummins sealed Mumbai Indians’ fate

Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with 52 off 36 balls while West Indian Kieron Pollard hammered 22 not out off just five deliveries to take the Mumbai Indians to a satisfactory total.

The Knight Riders slipped to 67/3 in the run-chase, but the innings was being held together by opener Venkatesh Iyer (50 not out off 41 balls).

As reported by The South African website, Australia’s Pat Cummins sealed the game with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 56 off just 15 deliveries as the Knight Riders won the match with a full four overs to spare.

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