Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik applauded Protea's latest sensation You are the cats who rose to fame with his stunning ICC U19 World Cup campaign last year. With 21 wickets in the campaign, Maphaka made quick debuts across all formats and showed the world his power in no time. Karthik believes the Proteas have found a gem in Maphaka that needs to be protected.
Mapaka's rise as a Proteas sensation
So far, the 18-year-old has played one Test, two ODIs and five T20Is and has registered three Test wickets at an average of 30 with best figures of 3/90, five ODI wickets at an average of 24.40 with best figures 4/ 72 and three T20I wickets at an average of 56.00 and best figures of 2/39. In the IPL 2024 auction, he was brought in by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.50 crores.
His progress since the U19 WC last year has been remarkable. Speaking ahead of Paarl Royals SA20 season three opener against defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Dinesh Karthik said: “I watched him play in the U19 World Cup and it almost felt like he was playing against South Africayou must overcome the first spell. This is a feeling that not many players can give. He's handled the pressure, he's come with expectations and it's great to see him grow not only into a good cricketer, but today he's playing for South Africa in all three formats.”
“South Africa must protect him”
He explained as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, “If I were him, SA20 would be a great opportunity to show my skills at T20 level but also to be the person who can win matches for the team. He is a special player. He has In Kwena, South Africa has found a gem and they must protect it.
Karthik who is the first in history Indian the cricketer signed by the league also warned how the all-rounder needs to take care of his body and mental health as well. “The only thing that's going to happen as he gets older is that he might drop off the pace, and he doesn't want to do that, so how he takes care of his body and mentally, every time he steps on the pitch, it has to be for him won the game for that team,” he signed.
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