Several South Africans featured in the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League. Some did better than others.
Now that the dust has settled following Ravindra Jadeja’s stunning late cameo to secure CSK’s fifth IPL title, we take a look at how the South African contingent performed during the showpiece tournament.
1. Who scored the most runs?
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis was the leading run-scorer overall for the bulk of the tournament, prior to Gujarat Titans opener Shubman Gill’s surge. Second-placed du Plessis finished with 730 runs in 14 innings to first-placed Gill’s 830 in 17. Du Plessis won’t likely be back for the Proteas for this year’s World Cup, but possibly next year’s T20 World Cup.
Most Sixes in IPL 2023
— Saurav Borker (@sauravborker) May 29, 2023
1. Faf Du Plessis - 36 (475b)
2. Shivam Dube - 35 (264b)
3. Shubman Gill - 33 (564b)
4. Glenn Maxwell - 31 (218b)
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad - 30 (400b)
#IPL2023 | #ShivamDube pic.twitter.com/UvgSe5QghY
2. Who took the most wickets?
Sunrisers Hyderabad seamer Marco Jansen was the leading wicket-taker among South Africans at this year’s IPL. He took 10 wickets in eight matches. His first three matches yielded six wickets, but his final five only four. Delhi Capitals recruit Anrich Nortje also took 10 wickets, but in two more innings tha Jansen.
2 in 2! 👏 👏
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 14, 2023
Marco Jansen 🤝 @AidzMarkram @SunRisers are on fire 🔥#KKR 3 down.
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/odv5HZvk4p#TATAIPL | #KKRvSRH pic.twitter.com/9Xvnntece3
3. How did Mumbai's SA trio fare?
Former Proteas head coach and new Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher deployed the franchise’s young South African recruits sparingly, if at all. Duan Jansen played one match, all-rounder Tristan Stubbs two and batsman Dewald Brevis zero. Brevis and Stubbs will feature more for South Africa A in Sri Lanka soon.
Dewald Brevis Didn't get a Single Opportunity in this year IPL in spite OF having Classy Form. pic.twitter.com/qboOCYBGSq
— Ayush Ranjan (@AyushRaGenius) May 6, 2023
4. Did any South Africans not play?
Indeed, Rajasthan Royals recruit Donovan Ferreira spent the entire tournament on the bench. Purchased by the Royals for approximately R1.02 million late last year, Ferreira evidently wasn’t required in a batting order that featured England’s Jos Buttler, West Indies’ Shimron Hetmeyer and other international talent. Take a look below at some of the lusty blows Ferreira struck during the SA20.
IPL ain't ready for Donovan Ferreira's arrival! 😎pic.twitter.com/vzsEUxQjxj https://t.co/6YeHTjLuM6
— Akif (@KM_Akif) April 6, 2023
5. How was Aiden Markham's SRH captaincy?
Proteas T20I captain Aiden Markram was named Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the title in the inaugural edition of the SA20 earlier this year. Hyderabad finished in last position in this IPL season’s 10-team standings. They won a mere four matches in 14 attempts. He was solid if unspectacular with the bat, scoring 248 runs at 22.54.
This is the 4th blinder of a catch taken by Aiden Markram in this IPL. He contributes in every way possible.pic.twitter.com/QsA1yOMOKl
— Akif (@KM_Akif) May 13, 2023
6. What did other South Africans do?
Wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen struck a maiden IPL century for the Sunrisers – and publicly received praise from former India captain Sachin Tendulkar and former West Indies captain Brian Lara. RCB recruit Wayne Parnell took eight wickets in seven matches. Lucknow Super Giants opener Quinton de Kock only played four matches.
Did You Watch ?
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 18, 2023
A maximum to bring up the 💯
Heinrich Klaasen scored a brilliant 104 off 51 deliveries.
Live - https://t.co/stBkLWLmJS #TATAIPL #SRHvRCB #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/B6t2C4jfy1
