Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik applauded the latest Proteas sensation Kwena Maphak who shot to fame with his stunning campaign at the ICC U19 World Cup last year. With 21 wickets in the campaign, Maphaka quickly made his debut in 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.
Maphaka’s growth as a protease sensation
So far the 18-year-old has played a Test, two ODIs and five T20Is and has taken three Test wickets at an average of 30 with best figures of 3/90, five ODI wickets at an average of 24.40 with best figures of 4/ 72 and three wickets T20Is with 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 crore.
His progress since the U19 WC last year is remarkable. Speaking ahead of Paarl Royals’ SA20 season three opener against Eastern Cape defending champions Sunrisers, Dinesh Karthik said: “I watched him bowl at the U19 World Cup and it felt like you were playing against South Africayou have to get past that first spell. It’s a feeling not many bowlers can provide. He’s handled the pressure, he’s come with expectations and it’s great to see him grow not only into a good domestic 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, the SA20 would be a great opportunity for me to show my skills at T20 level but also to be a person who can win matches for the team. He is a special player. Ima ima skill to be the superstar I expect him to be in Kweni, South Africa have found a gem and they need to protect it.”
Karthik who is the first ever Indian the league’s signature cricketer also cautioned that an all-rounder must take care of both his body and mental health. “The only thing that’s going to happen as he gets older is he might drop off in pace and he doesn’t want to do that, so as he takes care of his body and mentally, every time he comes on the park it should be about winning games for that team,” he signed.
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