Who is Tristan Stubbs, the young dasher who garnered the highest bid in SA20 Auction?

Tristan Stubbs was the most expensive player to be sold at the recently concluded SA20 Auction after fetching a staggering 9.2 Million Rand (about Rs 4.1 crore) bid from Sunrisers Eastern Cape. After narrowly defeating MI Cape Town in a competitive bid process, Eastern Cape secured the services of the 22-year-old hometown hero.

Stubbs' remarkable progress in T20 cricket has been maintained by the SA20 auction. Stubbs scored 293 runs in seven innings during the CSA T20 challenge in 2021–2022, with an astounding strike rate of 183.12. He was an uncapped player when Mumbai Indians signed him in IPL 2022.

MI Cape Town put up a tough fight as Stubbs represented the Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2022, and was very impressive. He entered the team as a replacement for Tymal Mills. Stubbs has been a prolific player in the shorter format of the game, and his fine performances earned him a place in the South African national side just a month after IPL 2022.

It's crazy and I'm shaking: Stubbs

"Yeah, I mean it's crazy and I'm still shaking. It's crazy! I played most of my cricket in St George's [Park, which will be the home of Sunrisers Eastern Cape] and I really enjoy playing cricket there,” Stubbs told the official broadcasters of the SA20 Auctions.

"Like Neil [McKenzie] said after the SA A tour [I've been traveling everywhere]. I really enjoyed the Hundred and played seven consecutive games. I do feel I have more experience and I have played more cricket in different situations. The Hundred comp helped my bowling more and look to keep evolving. I'm open to whatever the team needs [from me]," Stubbs added.

Stubbs hammered a 28-ball 72 batting at No. 6 on his debut as South Africa attempted to chase down the 235-run target in the T20I against England in Bristol. He was then roped in by the Manchester Originals at the second season of The Hundred where his occasional off-spin was also used against the left-handed batters.

The 22-year-old gave his best for whichever team he played for, and his hard work paid finally off well as he was named in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup which is set to be played in Australia in October. South Africa has had a history of producing the finest fielders, and Stubbs stands up to the potential in that department as well.