"How Will You Manage Studies?": His Mom Asks Hilarious Question, His Reply Goes Viral

For the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Mumbai Indians signed a 17-year-old South African fast Kwena Maphaka in the absence of Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka. Madushanka, who cost Rs 4.6 crore when purchased by MI, hurt his hamstring earlier this month during Sri Lanka's second ODI against Bangladesh. Maphaka will collaborate with MI head coach Mark Boucher, a fellow South African. With 21 wickets at an average of 9.71 during this year's U19 World Cup at home, the 17-year-old drew attention from all corners.

Media asks a hilarious question -

When Maphaka arrived at the MI team hotel in Mumbai, he was surprised by a difficult question posed by 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.

Responding to the question, The 17-year-old went on to say he would be able to pull it off.

"Yes, it's 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.

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

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

"It's an honour. 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.

Maphaka's T20 stats include 13 wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 6.71, including a four-wicket haul.

"Maphaka already is capable of generating serious pace and has a very mean bouncer that is known to hurry the batters up. He debuted for the South Africa U19 team at 15 & has already played in two U19 World Cups," said MI in a media release.

"He is capable of touching speeds of 140kph, and his death bowling and yorkers were a standout too at the U19 World Cup earlier this year.

"He will share the dressing room with two of the best bowlers in world cricket - Lasith Malinga, bowling coach and Jasprit Bumrah putting him on a path of learning, development and building on that knowledge." MI plays its IPL 2024 opening match versus last season's runner-up, Gujarat Titans, in Ahmedabad on March 24 under new skipper Hardik Pandya.