Dale Steyn issues clarification after being crushed for his earlier comments on Kwena Maphaka

After facing criticism for his post on Kwena Maphaka following the youngster’s forgettable IPL debut, former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has thrown his support behind the fast bowler. The highly-rated fast-bowler starred in the U-19 World Cup earlier this year, playing a key role in South Africa’s run to the semifinal.

He picked up an impressive 21 wickets from six games at an average of 9.71 and an economy rate of 3.81. He also broke the record for most wickets in a single edition of the Youth World Cup.

Earlier this month, Mumbai Indians signed him up as a replacement for Dilshan Madushanka. He did not get a chance to play in Mumbai’s first game of the season against Gujarat Titans but finally made his debut on Wednesday when the five-time champions locked horns against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Dale Steyn throws support behind Kwena Maphaka:

Kwena Maphaka became the youngest player to debut for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He started well and conceded seven runs in his first over. However, things went south soon as he ended up conceding 59 runs in his next three overs. On a pitch where the batters were hitting sixes for fun, the 17-year-old pacer was taken to the cleaners by SRH.

With the youngster enduring a disastrous debut in the IPL, Dale Steyn was quick to share his views on the same. The former South Africa pace spearhead pointed out that Kwena Maphaka must have realized the difference between the U-19 level and Pro league, writing: “Maphaka realizing the difference between U19 and the PRO league. Baptism of fire.”

Maphaka realizing the difference between U19 and the PRO league.

Baptism of fire.

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 27, 2024

The post, however, did not go down well with many. Several fans called the post distasteful and urged Dale Steyn to delete it. However, the Proteas great has yet to delete the post although he posted another message on X (formerly Twitter) where he threw his support behind the young pacer.

“I woke up feeling for Kwena Maphaka today, but I know he’s surrounded by some amazing people at MI and he’s gana be absolutely fine,” wrote Dale Steyn.

“His first experience, regardless of result or performance, should still be the most amazing cricket experience he’s ever had. At just 17, it’s only upwards from here. Well done young man 🤙” he added.

I woke up feeling for Kwena Maphaka today, but I know he’s surrounded by some amazing people at MI and he’s gana be absolutely fine.
His first experience, regardless of result or performance, should still be the most amazing cricket experience he’s ever had.
At just 17, it’s…

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 28, 2024

Talking about the game, SRH piled up a mammoth total of 277 for 3 in the allotted 20 overs. In reply, Mumbai Indians finished their innings on 246 for 5.