Former Proteas bowler Vernon Philander believes Kwena Maphaka is thrown to the wolves by his Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians.
The 17-year-old fast bowler had a tough start to his IPL career, conceding 66 runs in four overs on his IPL debut against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He bounced back in his next game against Rajasthan Royals, taking his maiden wicket.
Maphaka’s IPL record in two games however remains poor having leaked almost 90 runs in 36 balls.
Philander said the teenage bowler should be well-managed by his IPL team.
“It’s very tough to throw him to the wolves like that. They should manage him a bit better than that,” he told Rapport newspaper.
Proteas legend hopes Kwena Maphaka can bounce back
“The question is whether you are doing him justice by having him bowl in his first game against some of the greatest batsmen in the world. Is it worth it? Hopefully that baptism of fire didn’t break him mentally.”
Former Proteas wicketkeeper Mark Boucher coaches Kwena Maphaka at the Mumbai Indians.
After his shocking debut, former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn raised eyebrows when he made a ‘baptism of fire’ tweet about Kwena Maphaka. Some fans thought the ex-fast bowler was insensitive, and should have instead supported the young bowler
After getting hammered all over the park by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Steyn was quick to remind the teenager that he was now playing with the big boys.
“(Kwena)Maphaka realizing the difference between U19 and the PRO league. Baptism of fire,” Steyn said on X(Twitter).
A day later, Steyn took to X to clarify his previous post.
“I woke up feeling for Kwena Maphaka today, but I know he’s surrounded by some amazing people at MI and he’s gonna be absolutely fine,” the former Proteas fastman tweeted.
“His first experience, regardless of result or performance, should still be the most amazing cricket experience he’s ever had.
“At just 17, it’s only upwards from here. Well done young man,” he said.
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