Mumbai, April 27 : The call that Corbin Bosch was hoping to receive after joining Mumbai Indians as a late injury replacement came early on Sunday morning. It was his brother Ethan's birthday, and the news that he would make his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut against Lucknow Super Giants made it special.

Corbin Bosch, who was recently banned for one year by the Pakistan Super League after he pulled out of the T20 League in Pakistan to join IPL, made it extra special with a superb performance, scoring a whirlwind 20 off 10 balls towards the end of MI innings which along with Naman Dhir's unbeaten 25 helped the team post 215/7. He then picked his maiden wicket in the IPL, castling Ravi Bishnoi with a yorker on the middle-stump.

"I officially got the news first thing in the morning through Mahela (Jayawardene, MI head coach). Super happy about it. It's a super special feeling for me. It is my brother's birthday, and what a special day to make my MI debut," said Corbin.

A right-arm fast bowler and right-handed middle-order batter, Corbin has played 86 T20 matches, taking 59 wickets and has a batting high score of 81. Corbin was a part of the victorious Proteas' U-19 side that lifted the World Cup in 2014 and was also the player of the match in the finals, producing a magnificent spell of 4-15. He has been a regular across formats for his domestic team and made his debut for the Proteas in 2024.

Corbin played a key role in MI Cape Town's 2025 season in SA20 picking 11 wickets in the title winning campaign.

On Sunday, the young all-rounder was delighted with his effort and said his nerves were through the roof when he was batting.

"It was just about contacting the bat with the ball. My nerves were through the roof, I just wanted to make contact with the ball,' he said.

Corbin said he has been working on his bowling, adding that he didn't have any preferred batting position.

"I have put in quite a lot of work (on his bowling). And here at MI as well, they are helping me a lot. I am just happy to bat wherever the team needs me. I am willing to bat and contribute to the team. So proud and happy and privileged to be part of such an important day," he added.

Bosch had joined Mumbai Indians in controversy, unilaterally ending his contract with Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Peshawar Zalmi to replace injured South African pacer Lizaad Williams at MI.

The 30-year-old Corbin Bosch was picked in the Diamond category by Peshawar Zalmi but decided to join IPL to further his international career.

The South African made his international debut in December 2024 during an ODI against Pakistan in Johannesburg and has since played one Test and two ODIs for South Africa. While his international career is still in its early stages, Bosch has been making headlines in franchise cricket. He thinks his move to IPL will further boost his international career for the sheer visibility it provides. In his debut match, Corbin Bosch did just that, grabbing eyeballs with a fine performance.

/IANS