South African stars shine amid IPL's unpredictable chaos: A season of surprises and struggles

Delhi Capitals opener Faf du Plessis has been struggling with injuries this season but has been a mentor off the field for the youngsters. (Photo: IPL)

By Keanan Hemmonsbey

16 Apr 2025

Marco Jansen’s Punjab Kings have been on both ends of two of the most ridiculous matches in the space of three days.

It’s been nearly a month since the first delivery was bowled in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and already there have been some of the more memorable matches in the tournament’s history.

Across the last week, the second-highest run chase in IPL history (245) was recorded, as well the lowest-ever score defended (111) — both involving Punjab Kings.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 247 for the loss of only two wickets and with an over and a half to spare in their pursuit of Punjab King’s 245. It was mostly courtesy of young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who scored a magnificent 141 off only 55 deliveries.

South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen was at the other end for the latter part of Abhishek’s innings, coming in at No 3 and finishing the match off with a solid, undefeated 21 off 14 deliveries.

And that’s how Klaasen’s IPL season has been so far. Solid, without being extraordinary. That knock of 21 is his lowest score of the season so far, but across the six innings he’s played in, his highest score is 34.

Marco Jansen, meanwhile, was part of the fielding side watching the carnage rain down on the Punjab Kings. Jansen bowled two overs and conceded 39 runs.

Punjab Kings' Marco Jansen is the only South African bowler who has been consistent this season. (Photo: IPL)

Three days later, after failing to defend 245, Punjab Kings defended 111 against Kolkata Knight Riders. On this occasion, Jansen bowled 3.1 overs, conceding only 17 runs while picking up three wickets. Things change quickly in T20 cricket.

Quinton de Kock (two off four balls) and Anrich Nortje were part of the Knight Riders, who were bowled out for 95, chasing a net-run-rate-boosting victory, but instead ended up losing.

It was Nortje’s first match of the season and his first in four months, having been out injured for a while. Nortje was back to bowling his trademark thunderbolts and picked up one wicket in the three overs he bowled, while only conceding 23 runs.

Mentor role

Mumbai Indians’ opener Ryan Rickelton, who is the picture of consistency when playing in South Africa, has struggled to string together scores consistently in his maiden season in the IPL.

His latest score was a sound 41 off 25 deliveries against Delhi Capitals as his side inflicted the Capitals with their first defeat of the season.

His other scores this season are 13, six, 10 and 17, sandwiched between his season high score of an unbeaten 62.

“I’m still learning, trying to find out what works here in India,” Rickelton said.

The Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, have had the services of Faf du Plessis on a sporadic basis as the 40-year-old has suffered two niggles already this season.

The experienced campaigner has used his time on the sidelines to help mentor the younger players in the camp such as Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk and compatriot Tristan Stubbs.

Delhi Capitals opener Faf du Plessis has been struggling with injuries this season, but has been a mentor off the field for the youngsters. (Photo: IPL)

“It’s one of the great things the IPL creates,” Du Plessis said. “It creates a space where its not only Indian players… but it’s the same with the international boys.

“Jake came in last season very fresh, starting his T20 career off with a bang. Almost always, the second and third season when you come back it really becomes a challenge because people start bowling better to you, they work out your weaknesses.

“Then it’s great to share some knowledge with them.”

Table toppers

Proteas T20I skipper Aiden Markram is the highest South African run scorer in the IPL this season with two half-centuries and a score of 47 in the seven innings he’s batted in for Lucknow Super Giants this season.

Markram is on 208 runs with a strike rate creeping above 150, although the men batting around him have been the most destructive in the tournament.

Markram’s opening partner, Mitchell Marsh, has 295 runs, striking at 171.51, while first-drop Nicholas Pooran has 357 runs at an eye-catching strike rate of 208.77.

Lucknow are in the middle of the table at the moment despite their powerful top order, with their bowling potency less effective.

Gujarat Titans lead the pack with four wins after six matches. Gerald Coetzee has been on the bench for the pack leaders. DM

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South Africa

Mentor role

Table toppers