IPL 2024: T20 stalwarts Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard comfort Kwena Maphaka after nightmarish IPL debut

Kwena Maphaka experienced baptism of fire as he went for 66 runs in his four overs on his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut, playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, March 27.

The 17-year-old was the Player of the Tournament in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year. He caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts with his ability to bowl at good speeds with commendable accuracy. Maphaka replaced the injured Dilshan Madushanka in the Mumbai Indians squad ahead of the IPL 2024 season. On Wednesday, the five-time champions decided to hand Maphaka his cap on a flat surface. The move backfired as the youngster was put to the sword by one of the most intimidating batting lineups in the tournament this season.

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Maphaka went on to record the joint-worst figures for an overseas bowler in the history of the tournament. Since his tough initiation to the cash-rich league, Maphaka has received a lot of support from the cricket fraternity. Brian Lara empathised with the talented rookie during one of his commentary spells for the official broadcasters. The Johannesburg-born has now received words of encouragement from T20 stalwart and current Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Dwayne Bravo. The star all-rounder took to social media and urged him to keep his confidence up and told him that he will get better as the tournament progresses.

"Keep your head up Champ! Kwena Maphaka I’m sure you will definitely bounce back and don’t let this one off game make you start to doubt yourself,it’s a great challenge for you and you will only get better as the tournament goes on!" wrote Bravo in the caption of an Instagram post where he uploaded Maphaka's photo.

Tough first day at the office but loved how you kept coming: Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard, who is the batting coach of MI, also voiced his support for the left-arm seamer. The former West Indies captain said that he loved the way Maphaka kept coming back even after being hit for boundaries. Pollard also asserted that Mumbai gives a platform to youngsters to express themselves.

"Head up young man … greater things to achieve. I’m sure your family, friends loved ones are very proud of you .. tough first day at the office but loved how you kept coming . #greaterthingsinstore # future looks bright . #17yearsyoung we believe in giving youngsters a platform @mumbaiindians," Pollard wrote on his Instagram handle.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a whopping 277/3 after being invited to bat first. They set a new record for the highest total in the history of the tournament. Hardik Pandya's men did try to put on a challenge but the runs required were just too much for them. In the end, Sunrisers won by 31 runs.