Mumbai Indians acquired the services of 17-year-old South African speedster Kwena Maphaka as a replacement for Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024).

The left-arm pacer was hugely impressive for South Africa in the recent ICC U19 World Cup at home, where he was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament and was awarded the Player of the Tournament as well.

Maphaka arrived at MI's team hotel in Mumbai but was taken aback by a tricky question from his mother. In a video posted by MI, the admin posed a question on behalf of Maphaka's mom, who asked how he would manage his studies.

The 17-year-old responded cleverly and said that he’d be able to pull it off.

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"Yes, it's definitely going to be a difficult time. But it's a lot of extra lessons and a lot of hard work," he said in the video.

Maphaka's mom also expressed her excitement about the 17-year-old joining the franchise.

“It's an honor. We are very blessed to have Kwena be a part of such a big family of Mumbai Indians and I hope he is going to fit in and be welcomed," she said in the video.

On becoming MI's latest acquisition, Maphaka added: "It feels really good. Definitely something unexpected. But I'm really happy to be here. It's a beautiful city."