Vernon Philander says the Mark Boucher-coached Mumbai Indians should have managed 17-year-old South African fast bowler Kwena Maphaka better in the IPL.
Maphaka conceded 66 runs in four overs on his IPL debut against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In his second match, against the Rajasthan Royals, the SA U19 star celebrated his first IPL wicket, but conceded 23 runs in his two overs.
“It’s very tough to throw him to the wolves like that. They should manage him a bit better than that,” Philander told Rapport newspaper.
“The question is whether you are doing him justice by having him bowl in his first game against some of the greatest batsmen in the world. Is it worth it? Hopefully that baptism of fire didn’t break him mentally.”
Meanwhile, former Proteas spinner and current EP Warriors coach Robin Peterson was full of praise for Nandré Burger’s bowling.
The Proteas paceman has picked up six wickets in four matches at an average of 20.66, a strike rate of 14.0 and an economy rate of 8.85.
“He bowls lightning fast for the Rajasthan Royals, swings the ball while maintaining a fuller length, and uses the swing ball as an element of surprise,” said Peterson.
“He has inspired Western Province to the provincial one-day title this year and has bowled so well for the past two seasons.”
Photo: BCCI
