Sisanda Magala, the South African fast bowler, has been signed by Chennai Super Kings as a replacement for the injured Kyle Jamieson.
Jamieson, who was bought for INR 1 crore in the December mini-auction, has suffered a recurrence of a lower-back stress fracture and is expected to miss several months of cricket, including the upcoming IPL. Magala, who was unsold in the auction, joins Super Kings at his base price of INR 50 lakh. Although he has not played a T20I for South Africa since April 2021.
Magala had a great run for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the inaugural edition of the SA20 earlier this year, finishing the tournament as joint-fifth on the wicket charts. Magala is known for his skills as a death bowler but also proved to be a threat in the powerplay during the SA20, taking half of his wickets within the first six overs.
Additionally, he is a useful lower-order batter with two half-centuries in his T20 career. However, it remains to be seen if Magala will be available at the start of the IPL, as South African players involved in their upcoming ODI series against Netherlands are expected to arrive late at the IPL.
Magala, who was awarded a central contract earlier this month and is part of the ongoing series against West Indies, is likely to be included for the Netherlands series. Chennai Super Kings will play against defending champions Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad in the opening fixture of IPL 2023.
