In the first SA20, the South African fast spinner tied for fifth-highest in wickets.
Chennai Super Kings place their faith in Sisanda Magala as they aim for IPL glory.
Kyle Jamieson is injured, so Chennai Super Kings have acquired South African fast bowler Sisanda Magala in his place.
Kyle Jamieson, the highly talented New Zealand fast bowler, had garnered a lot of attention during the mini-auction held in December last year, with his impressive performances catching the eye of the Chennai Super Kings. The franchise had signed him for a whopping INR 1 crore, hoping to make the most of his skill and talent during the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, just before the start of the Test series against England last month, Jamieson suffered a serious setback in the form of a lower-back stress fracture, leading to widespread disappointment amongst cricket fans worldwide.
Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that Jamieson cannot participate in several months of cricketing action, including the highly anticipated IPL season. It has left a significant void on the Chennai Super Kings’ squad, and the franchise has been busy scouting for the perfect replacement to fill this gap. After much deliberation and careful consideration, the Super Kings finally announced that South African fast bowler Sisanda Magala would join the team as Jamieson’s replacement. While Magala was unsold at the auction, he made a name for himself during the inaugural edition of the SA20, where he finished as the joint-fifth highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate 8.68. With his impressive performance in the SA20 and his prowess as a death bowler and lower-order batsman, the Chennai Super Kings are hoping that Magala will be able to make a significant contribution to their campaign this season.
Will Sisanda Magala be available for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023?
Magala, 32, had never played in the IPL before and was not purchased at the auction. For a basic salary of INR 50 lakh, he signs on with the Super Kings.
Magala impacted eventual winners Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the inaugural SA20 tournament at the beginning of this year. However, he last played a T20I for South Africa in April 2021. He completed the competition in a tie for fifth place on the wicket charts with 14 kills and an 8.68 economy rate.
Despite being known as a “death bowler,” Sisanda Magala has showcased his versatility in T20 cricket and is not limited to being a bowler alone. During the inaugural edition of the SA20 earlier this year, Magala proved a potent threat in the powerplay, taking 50% of his wickets within the first six overs. This ability to strike early will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the Chennai Super Kings, who want to make a solid start for the IPL season.
Furthermore, Magala’s prowess is not limited to his bowling skills alone. As a lower-order batsman, he has also displayed his hitting abilities and has scored two half-centuries in his T20 career. This all-around ability makes him an even more valuable addition to the Chennai Super Kings squad as they look to secure their fourth IPL title this season.
However, it is uncertain whether Magala will be available at the start of the IPL 2023 season. As per recent reports, South African players participating in the upcoming ODI series against the Netherlands will arrive late at the IPL due to scheduling conflicts. Although the squad is yet to be named, Magala will likely be a part of the South African squad, considering his recent central contract and involvement in the ongoing series against the West Indies. Nonetheless, the Super Kings remain hopeful they can count on Magala’s services for most of the season as they gear up for their opening fixture against the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, in Ahmedabad.
Uncertainty looms over Sisanda Magala’s IPL 2023 debut due to the ODI series against the Netherlands.
According to a recent report by Cricketnews, Sisanda Magala, and other South African players may not be available for the early matches of the IPL 2023 season. It is because they are slated to participate in an ODI series against the Netherlands, which is expected to overlap with the initial fixtures of the IPL.
Although the South African squad for the ODI series is yet to be announced, Magala’s recent award of a central contract and participation in the ongoing series against the West Indies suggests he will likely be included in the squad. It could delay his arrival in India and cause him to miss a few matches for the Chennai Super Kings.
Despite this uncertainty, the Super Kings remain optimistic that they will have Magala’s services for a significant portion of the tournament. The South African pacer’s impressive performances in the recent SA20 game and all-around abilities make him a valuable asset to the Super Kings squad. They will be eager to have him in their XI soon. The Super Kings’ opening match against the Gujarat Titans is fast approaching, and whether Magala will be available for selection remains to be seen.
