'Haven’t been away from home for that long, but it's a huge opportunity' - Sisanda Magala ahead of maiden IPL season

After having a stunning season for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the inaugural edition of the SA20 league, Chennai Super Kings signed Sisanda Magala as a replacement for injured Kyle Jamieson ahead of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League. The pacer is himself not fully fit but is involved in South Africa's ongoing T20I series against the West Indies.

Notably, the 32-year-old suffered an injury between his right thumb and forefinger. However, he is not ready to sit on the sidelines and is currently playing for the Proteas in a dangerous condition. Magala said that he is aware of the fact that if he injures himself again, he might set himself 10 days back, putting his IPL contract in jeopardy.

“You just have to try your best, to try to take the ball in such a way that you protect that area. Any wrong fielding of the ball could tear [the stitching] again and set me back 10 days,” Magala said ahead of the second T20I against West Indies at the Supersport Park in Centurion.

Magala is desperate to feature in the cash-rich league as he believes that it is the pinnacle of white-ball cricket. “Anyone looking to specialise in white ball cricket, that's the pinnacle, to play in the IPL,” the pacer said.

I’m very nervous, it’s a huge opportunity: Sisanda Magala

Ahead of travelling to India, Magala revealed that he is a bit nervous about playing in the IPL. However, he said that it is a huge opportunity and he is eager to prove himself.

“My mother lives in Uitenhage, so it's a long way from home. I’m very nervous. It’s going to be two months — I haven’t been away from home for that long. It’s new. I’ve asked a couple of guys who’ve played there how they coped and just their advice to handle situations.  It’s a huge opportunity,” Magala concluded.

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