IPL 2023: 5 SA Players to Watch

The are eight days left until the 2023 edition of the IPL gets underway, with defending champions Gujarat Titans hosting four-time winners Chennai Super Kings on the 31st of March. Several South African players will be on show this year, from regulars like Quinton de Kock to newcomers like Sisanda Magala. We look at the 5 SA Players to Watch in this year’s IPL campaign.

Heinrich Klaasen (Surisers Hyderabad)

Heinrich Klaasen is in the form of his life at the moment, which was typified by his sensational 119 off 61 balls in the third ODI against the West Indies. This came after his fantastic performances in the inaugural SA20 for Durban’s Super Giants, where he scored 363 runs at an average of 60.50 and a fantastic strike-rate of 164.25.

He’ll hope to continue with his impressive form for Sunrisers Hyderabad in a talented squad. Whether he’ll get regular game time or not is yet to be seen considering the overseas talent in SRH’s squad. I expect him to kick on from the brilliant start he’s had to 2023 so far.

Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Klaasen will be captained by fellow South Africa Aiden Markram, who’s also had a great start to 2023. Markram was appointed captain of SRH after leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the inaugural SA20 title. He also marked his return to the Test side with a century against the West Indies and was named Player of the Series.

His fantastic year continued as he was appointed the Proteas’ new T20I skipper. Markram should come into IPL 2023 brimming with confidence as he’s starting to fulfil his immense potential. It’ll be interesting to see how he captains SRH but I’m backing him to perform at a high level as he did for SEC in the SA20, where he was named the tournament’s MVP.

Sisanda Magala (Chennai Super Kings)

Chennai Super Kings signed Sisanda Magala earlier this week as a replacement for the injured Kyle Jamieson. It’s a very astute piece of business from CSK. Magala has been one of the most consistent bowlers in domestic cricket for several seasons, which has seen him rewarded with call-ups to the Proteas’ ODI & T20 squads.

CSK struggled with their death bowling last season and I believe Magala is the perfect man to resolve those issues. He was brilliant in the inaugural SA20, helping SEC win the tournament.

Anrich Nortje (Dehli Capitals)

Anrich Nortje has been South Africa’s best T20 bowler for the last few seasons. His performances at last year’s T20 World Cup and in the SA20 earlier this year proved that. He was the joint leading wicket-taker in the inaugural SA20, with 20 wickets.

His pace and accuracy have caused batsmen a lot of problems and I believe we’re going to see more of the same in IPL 2023. Nortje is Delhi Capitals’ best paceman and will be essential if DC succeed this season.

Rilee Rossouw (Dehli Capitals)

Even though he didn’t have great BBL and SA20 campaigns, Rilee Roussouw could be a key player for the Dehli Capitals. He wasn’t at his best in both competitions earlier this year but will come into the IPL in great form after his performances in the PSL.

In just nine matches in the PSL this season, Rossouw scored 388 runs at an average of 48.50 and a ridiculous strike rate of 176.36. His hundred against Peshawar Zalmi while chasing a target in excess of 240 helped the Multan Sultans win the game comfortably despite the tall ask.