https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Keshav_MaharajKeshav Maharaj - Revision history2026-07-31T12:10:53ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Keshav_Maharaj&diff=477518&oldid=prevBrianSop at 05:36, 26 March 20262026-03-26T05:36:59Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{short description|South African cricketer (born 1990)}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}<br />
{{Infobox cricketer<br />
| name = Keshav Maharaj<br />
| image = New face 6- Keshav Maharaj.jpg<br />
| caption = Maharaj bowling for Yorkshire in 2019<br />
| country = South Africa<br />
| fullname = Keshav Athmanand Maharaj<br />
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|02|07|df=yes}}<br />
| birth_place = [[Durban]], [[Natal Province]], [[South Africa]]<br />
| height = 178 cm<br />
| batting = Right-handed<br />
| bowling = [[Slow left-arm orthodox]]<br />
| role = [[Bowling (cricket)|Bowler]]<br />
| international = true<br />
| internationalspan = 2016–present<br />
<br />
| testdebutdate = 3 November<br />
| testdebutyear = 2016<br />
| testdebutagainst = Australia<br />
| testcap = 327<br />
| lasttestdate = 22 November <br />
| lasttestyear = 2025<br />
| lasttestagainst = India<br />
<br />
| odidebutdate = 27 May<br />
| odidebutyear = 2017<br />
| odidebutagainst = England<br />
| odicap = 120<br />
| lastodidate = 6 December <br />
| lastodiyear = 2025<br />
| lastodiagainst = India <br />
| odishirt = 16<br />
<br />
| T20Idebutdate = 10 September<br />
| T20Idebutyear = 2021<br />
| T20Idebutagainst = Sri Lanka<br />
| T20Icap = 94<br />
| lastT20Idate = 25 March <br />
| lastT20Iyear = 2026<br />
| lastT20Iagainst = New Zealand <br />
| T20Ishirt = 16<br />
<br />
| club1 = [[KwaZulu-Natal cricket team|KwaZulu-Natal]]<br />
| year1 = {{nowrap|2006–present}}<br />
| club2 = [[Dolphins (South African cricket team)|Dolphins]]<br />
| year2 = {{nowrap|2009–present}}<br />
| club3= [[Lancashire County Cricket Club|Lancashire]]<br />
| year3 = 2018<br />
| club4 = [[Durban Heat]]<br />
| year4 = {{nowrap|2018–2021}}<br />
| club5= [[Yorkshire County Cricket Club|Yorkshire]]<br />
| year5 = 2019<br />
| club6 = [[Durban's Super Giants]] <br />
| year6 = {{nowrap|2023–2025}}<br />
| club7 = [[Rajasthan Royals]]<br />
| year7 = 2024<br />
| club8 = [[Fortune Barishal]]<br />
| year8 = 2024<br />
| club9 = [[Pretoria Capitals]]<br />
| year9 = 2025-present<br />
<br />
| columns = 4<br />
| column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]<br />
| matches1 = 62<br />
| runs1= 1,334<br />
| bat avg1= 15.33<br />
| 100s/50s1= 0/6<br />
| top score1= 84<br />
| deliveries1 = 12,308<br />
| wickets1 = 218<br />
| bowl avg1 = 29.22<br />
| fivefor1 = 12<br />
| tenfor1 = 1<br />
| best bowling1 = 9/129<br />
| catches/stumpings1= 23/–<br />
| column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]<br />
| matches2 = 56<br />
| runs2= 324<br />
| bat avg2= 14.08<br />
| 100s/50s2= 0/0<br />
| top score2= 40<br />
| deliveries2 = 2,885<br />
| wickets2 = 73<br />
| bowl avg2 = 31.12<br />
| fivefor2 = 1<br />
| tenfor2 = 0<br />
| best bowling2 = 5/33<br />
| catches/stumpings2= 13/–<br />
| column3 = [[Twenty20 International|T20I]]<br />
| matches3 = 54<br />
| runs3= 107<br />
| bat avg3= 8.91<br />
| 100s/50s3= 0/0<br />
| top score3= 41<br />
| deliveries3 = 1,103<br />
| wickets3 = 55<br />
| bowl avg3 = 26.30<br />
| fivefor3 = 0<br />
| tenfor3 = 0<br />
| best bowling3 = 3/24<br />
| catches/stumpings3= 15/–<br />
| column4 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]<br />
| matches4 = 170<br />
| runs4= 4,252<br />
| bat avg4= 20.05<br />
| 100s/50s4= 2/18<br />
| top score4= 114[[Not Out|*]]<br />
| deliveries4 = 34,958<br />
| wickets4 = 650<br />
| bowl avg4 = 26.68<br />
| fivefor4 = 40<br />
| tenfor4 = 8<br />
| best bowling4 = 9/129<br />
| catches/stumpings4= 65/–<br />
| date = 25 March 2026<br />
| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/player/267724.html ESPNcricinfo<br />
| medaltemplates = <!--MENTION HOST NATIONS FOR TEAM SPORTS-->{{MedalSport|Men's [[cricket]]}}<br />
{{MedalCountry|{{RSA}}}}<br />
{{MedalCompetition|[[World Test Championship]]}}<br />
{{Medal|W|[[2023–2025 World Test Championship|2023–2025]]}}<br />
{{MedalCompetition|[[Men's T20 World Cup|T20 World Cup]]}}<br />
{{Medal|RU|[[2024 Men's T20 World Cup|2024 West Indies & USA]]|}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Keshav Athmanand Maharaj''' (born 7 February 1990) is a South African professional [[cricket]]er. Maharaj represents the [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa national team]] in [[Test cricket|Tests]], [[One Day International|ODI]] and [[Twenty20 International|T20I]] cricket. He is currently the vice-captain of the team in [[limited overs cricket]]. Maharaj also captains [[Pretoria Capitals]] in the SA20.<br />
<br />
He is a [[Left-arm orthodox spin|left-arm orthodox spin bowler]] and lower-order [[Batting (cricket)|batsman]]. He made his debut in [[first-class cricket]] for [[KwaZulu-Natal (cricket team)|KwaZulu-Natal]] in 2006 and Test debut for South Africa in November 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 November 2016|title=Keshav Maharaj: The foodie who smashed the colour barrier|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/keshav-maharaj-the-foodie-who-smashed-the-colour-barrier/story-SetIgXBTBHkkfAFBM7WnQP.html|access-date=14 September 2021|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en}}</ref> He represents [[Dolphins (South African cricket team)|Dolphins]] in domestic cricket and [[Durban's Super Giants]] in [[SA20]].<ref name="Cricinfo">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/keshav-maharaj-267724|title=Keshav Maharaj, profile|access-date=28 October 2023|publisher=Cricinfo}}</ref><br />
<br />
Maharaj was a member of the South African team which won the [[2025 ICC World Test Championship final]], the second ICC title the country has won till date.<br />
<br />
In September 2021, Maharaj captained South Africa for the first time in ODIs [[South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2021–22|against Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-in-sri-lanka-2021-1271624/sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-2nd-odi-1271628/match-preview|title=South Africa need a spin intervention against improving Sri Lanka|work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=4 September 2011|access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref> He also made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in the same month while also captaining the team in his debut match.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mjikeliso|first=Sibusiso|title=Proteas skipper Keshav Maharaj on dream T20 debut: 'My team-mates made my job easy'|url=https://www.news24.com/sport/cricket/proteas/proteas-skipper-keshav-maharaj-on-dream-t20-debut-my-team-mates-made-my-job-easy-20210911|access-date=14 September 2021|website=News24}}</ref> Maharaj became the second bowler from South Africa to take a [[List of Test cricket hat-tricks|hat-trick in a Test match]] in June 2021 against [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news24.com/sport/cricket/proteas/keshav-maharaj-takes-sas-first-test-hat-trick-in-more-than-60-years-as-proteas-eye-victory-20210621|title=Keshav Maharaj takes SA's first Test hat-trick in more than 60 years as Proteas eye victory|work=News24 |access-date=21 June 2021}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Early and personal life==<br />
Maharaj was born on 7 February 1990 to Athmanand Maharaj and Kanchan Mala in [[Durban]], [[KwaZulu-Natal]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=World Cup 2023: World Hindu Congress Thanks Keshav Maharaj For Support Despite Absence From The November Event Due To WC Commitments|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/topnews/world-cup-2023-world-hindu-congress-thanks-keshav-maharaj-for-support-despite-absence-from-the-event-due-to-wc-commitments|access-date=10 November 2023|website=Free Press Journal|language=en}}</ref> Maharaj is of [[Indian South Africans|Indian ancestry]], his great-grandfather hailed from [[Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh]], India and migrated to Durban in 1874 as an [[Indian indenture system|indentured labourer]].<ref name=mirror>{{cite news|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/sport/cricket/forefathers-of-cricketer-keshav-maharaj-came-to-south-africa-as-indentured-labourers/articleshow/62492681.cms|title=Forefathers of cricketer Keshav Maharaj came to South Africa as indentured labourers - Mumbai Mirror|website=Mumbai Mirror|date=14 January 2018|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref> His father played as a [[wicket keeper]] for [[KwaZulu-Natal (cricket team)|KwaZulu-Natal]]. He has a sister Tarisma Mahesan.<ref name=mirror/><br />
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In April 2022, Maharaj married his longtime girlfriend Lerisha Munsamy, a [[kathak]] dancer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/pak-vs-sa-meet-south-africa-spinner-keshav-maharajs-wife-lerisha-in-pics-pakistan-vs-south-africa-cricket-world-cup-2023-2680589|title=Meet South Africa Spinner Keshav Maharaj's Wife Lerisha|newspaper=Zee News|date=27 October 2023|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/aus-vs-sa-1st-test-meet-keshav-maharajs-gorgeous-wife-whos-a-bollywood-lover-and-a-kathak-dancer-2549603/keshav-maharajs-wife-lerisha-munsamy-is-a-kathak-dancer-2549607<br />
|title=Keshav Maharaj's wife Lerisha is a kathak dancer|newspaper=Zee News|date=17 December 2022|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Domestic career==<br />
Maharaj made his [[First-class cricket|first-class]] debut at the age of 16 for [[KwaZulu-Natal (cricket team)|KwaZulu-Natal]] during the 2006–07 season.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Keshav Maharaj lives his father's dream|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/firdose-moonda-meets-the-father-and-mentor-of-south-african-spinner-keshav-maharaj-1063370|access-date=14 September 2021|date=14 September 2021|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|language=en}}</ref> In 2009-10, he represented the [[Dolphins cricket team|Dolphins team]].<ref name="Cricinfo"/> Maharaj toured [[Bangladesh]] with the [[South Africa A cricket team|South Africa A]] team in April–May 2010, taking 13 [[wicket]]s in the two four-day matches against [[Bangladesh Cricket Board]] team. He also took 4 for 12 off four overs, opening the [[Bowling (cricket)|bowling]], in one of the [[Twenty20 cricket|T20]] matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/13/South_Africa_Academy_in_Bangladesh_2010.html|title=South Africa Academy in Bangladesh 2010|website=CricketArchive|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> He also played for South Africa A against the touring [[Bangladesh A cricket team|Bangladesh A]] team in 2010–11.<br />
<br />
In the 2012–13 domestic season, Maharaj has his best season with the bat when he made 481 first-class runs at an average of 48.1 including two centuries.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/142/142991/f_Batting_by_Season.html|title=Batting in each season by Keshav Maharaj|website=CricketArchive|access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> He scored 114 runs off 119 balls and took 5 wickets in a match against [[Northerns cricket team|Northerns]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/454/454056.html|title = Northerns v KwaZulu-Natal 2012–13|website=CricketArchive|access-date = 25 March 2015}}</ref><br />
<br />
Maharaj played for Cuckfield in the Sussex Premier League in 2013, and as [[Nelson Cricket Club|Nelson's]] professional in the [[Lancashire League (cricket)|Lancashire League]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/sport/cricket/south-african-all-rounder-signs-as-nelson-s-pro-for-2015-season-1-7011106| title = South African all rounder signs as Nelson's pro for 2015 season| publisher = Pendle Today| access-date = 25 March 2015| archive-date = 3 April 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150403032708/http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/sport/cricket/south-african-all-rounder-signs-as-nelson-s-pro-for-2015-season-1-7011106| url-status = dead}}</ref> For Dolphins against the [[Cape Cobras cricket team|Cape Cobras]] in 2014–15, Maharaj took his best [[innings]] and match figures to that point: 6 for 58 and 10 for 145. Dolphins won, and he received the [[Man of the match#Cricket|man of the match award]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/649/649096.html| title = Cape Cobras v Dolphins 2014–15| website = CricketArchive| access-date = 25 March 2015}}</ref> He finished the season with 44 first-class wickets at an average of 26.18.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/142/142991/f_Bowling_by_Season.html| title = Bowling in each season by Keshav Maharaj| website = CricketArchive| access-date = 25 March 2015}}</ref> He was included in the [[KwaZulu-Natal cricket team|KwaZulu-Natal]] squad for the [[2015 Africa T20 Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/africa-t20-cup-2015-16/content/squad/910907.html|title=KwaZulu-Natal Squad Players|publisher=ESPN cricinfo|access-date=31 August 2015}}</ref><br />
<br />
In the first match of the [[2016–17 Sunfoil Series|2016–17 season]], playing for the Dolphins against the [[Warriors (cricket team)|Warriors]], Maharaj scored 72 then took 7 for 89 and 6 for 68 in an innings victory for the Dolphins, the first time he had taken seven wickets in an innings or 13 wickets in a match.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1003559.html| title = Warriors v Dolphins 2016–17| work = Cricinfo| access-date = 8 October 2016}}</ref><br />
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In October 2018, Maharaj was named in [[Durban Heat]]'s squad for the [[2018 Mzansi Super League|first edition]] of the [[Mzansi Super League]] T20 tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/live-mzansi-super-league-player-draft-20181017 |title=Mzansi Super League - full squad lists |work=Sport24 |access-date=17 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/domestic/mzansi-super-league-player-draft-the-story-so-far-17521199 |title=Mzansi Super League Player Draft: The story so far |work=Independent Online |access-date=17 October 2018}}</ref> After appearing for [[Lancashire County Cricket Club|Lancashire]] in 2018, Maharaj played five matches for [[Yorkshire County Cricket Club|Yorkshire]] in the [[2019 County Championship]], taking 38 wickets at an [[Bowling average|average]] of 18.92, as the team finished in 5th place.<ref>{{Cite book|last=|first=|title=Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2020.|publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury]]|year=2020|isbn=978-1-4729-7288-0|editor-last=Booth|editor-first=Lawrence|editor-link=Lawrence Booth (cricket writer)|edition=157th|location=London, UK|pages=717|oclc=1105153124}}</ref> In September 2019, Maharaj was named in the squad for the [[Durban Heat]] team for the [[2019 Mzansi Super League]] tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cricket.co.za/news/31555/MSL-20-announces-its-T20-squads |title=MSL 2.0 announces its T20 squads |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=4 September 2019 |archive-date=4 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904081427/https://cricket.co.za/news/31555/MSL-20-announces-its-T20-squads |url-status=dead }}</ref> In April 2021, he was named in [[KwaZulu-Natal (cricket team)|KwaZulu-Natal]]'s squad, ahead of the 2021–22 cricket season in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cricket.co.za/news/38184/CSA-reveals-Division-One-squads-for-2021-22 |title=CSA reveals Division One squads for 2021/22 |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=20 April 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420104034/http://cricket.co.za/news/38184/CSA-reveals-Division-One-squads-for-2021-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br />
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On 27 February 2023, he joined [[Middlesex County Cricket Club|Middlesex]] on an overseas registration for the LV= County Championship and the Vitality t20 Blast competitions but was later forced to withdraw due to an [[achilles tendon]] injury.<ref name="Inj">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/64941070|publisher=BBC|title=Keshav Maharaj: South Africa spinner's Middlesex move ended by 'freak injury'|date=13 March 2022|access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref><br />
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Maharaj also played for [[Fortune Barishal]] in [[2024 Bangladesh Premier League]].<br />
<br />
In the [[SA20]], Maharaj plays for and captains the [[Pretoria Capitals]], having previously captained the [[Durban's Super Giants]].<ref name="cricinfo121225">{{cite web |title=Keshav Maharaj to lead Pretoria Capitals at SA20 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/keshav-maharaj-to-lead-pretoria-capitals-at-sa20-1515428 |website=Cricinfo |access-date=5 January 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
==International career==<br />
===Debut and early years===<br />
In October 2016, Maharaj was named in South Africa's squad for their series [[South African cricket team in Australia in 2016–17|against Australia]]. He made his [[Test cricket|Test]] debut against the [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] on 3 November 2016 and picked up three wickets.<ref name="Test">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1000851.html |title=South Africa tour of Australia, 1st Test: Australia v South Africa at Perth, Nov 3-7, 2016 |access-date=3 November 2016 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He was the first [[Glossary of cricket terms#specialist|specialist]] [[Spin bowling|spinner]] to make his Test debut at [[WACA Ground|Perth]].<ref name="1Testday1">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1064616.html|title=Maharaj - first spin debutant at Perth |access-date=3 November 2016 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref><br />
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On 10 March 2017, Maharaj took his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests [[South African cricket team in New Zealand in 2016–17#1st Test|against New Zealand]].<ref name="Maiden5">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-south-africa-2016-17/content/story/1086201.html|title=Honours even after Williamson's hundred|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 March 2017}}</ref> This was only the seventh five-for by a South African spinner in Tests against New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-south-africa-2016-17/content/story/1086246.html |title=A rare hundred, a rarer five-for|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=10 March 2017}}</ref> In April 2017, Maharaj was named in South Africa's [[One Day International]] (ODI) squad for their series [[South African cricket team in England in 2017|against England]] and the [[2017 ICC Champions Trophy]].<ref name="SAODI">{{cite news |title=South Africa picks Morkel for ICC Champions Trophy 2017|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/373576 |work=International Cricket Council|date=19 April 2017|access-date=19 April 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Champ">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/story/1093328.html |title=Morkel, Maharaj in South Africa squad |access-date=19 April 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He made his ODI debut for South Africa against England on 27 May 2017.<ref name="ODI">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1031427.html |title=South Africa tour of England, 2nd ODI: England v South Africa at Southampton, May 27, 2017 |access-date=27 May 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> In May 2017, Maharaj was named International Newcomer of the Year at [[Cricket South Africa]]'s annual awards.<ref name="awards">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/story/1097632.html |title=De Kock dominates South Africa's awards |access-date=14 May 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> In October 2017, he took his 50th wicket in Tests, during the first Test [[Bangladeshi cricket team in South Africa in 2017–18|against Bangladesh]].<ref name="Maharaj50">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/10904/preview/1075503/ |title=New-look SA attack takes on weakened tourists |access-date=5 October 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Middle years===<br />
In July 2018, during [[South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2018#2nd Test|the second Test match against Sri Lanka]], Maharaj registered his best Test bowling figures in an innings of 9 for 129 and also registered the best ever bowling figures in a Test innings by a visiting bowler in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/keshav-maharaj-stuns-sl-with-8116-727870|title=Keshav Maharaj stuns SL with 8/116|date=20 July 2018|work=Cricket Country|access-date=20 July 2018|language=en-us}}</ref> He also recorded the best ever bowling figures in a Test innings by a South African in Asia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sacricketmag.com/maharaj-topples-sri-lanka/|title=SL 277-9: Keshav Maharaj's eight wickets throttles Sri Lanka|date=20 July 2018|work=SA Cricket|access-date=20 July 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/103213/live-cricket-score-sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-day-1-colombo|title=Live Cricket Score: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Day 1, Colombo, Maharaj creates historical moment with 8 wicket haul|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=20 July 2018|language=en}}</ref> His figures of 9 for 129 are the second-best bowling figures by a South African in an innings of a Test after [[Hugh Tayfield]] and the best Test bowling figures by a South African since readmission to international cricket in 1991.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24154462/south-africa-second-best|title=Maharaj's nine-for: South Africa's second-best|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=22 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=wickets;team=3;template=results;type=bowling;view=innings|title=Bowling records|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=22 July 2018}}</ref> He became the second left-arm spinner, after [[Rangana Herath]], to claim 9 wickets in a test innings.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?bowling_hand=2;bowling_pacespin=2;class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=wickets;template=results;type=bowling;view=innings|title=Bowling records, statsguru|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=22 July 2018}}</ref> In August 2018, Maharaj was named in South Africa's [[Twenty20 International]] (T20I) squad for the one-off match against [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]], but he did not play in the fixture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/805967 |title=Chance for South Africa to finish Sri Lanka tour on a high |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref> In October 2019, during the [[South African cricket team in India in 2019–20|series against India]], Maharaj took his 100th wicket in Test cricket.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latestly.com/sports/cricket/keshav-maharaj-gets-his-100th-wicket-dismissing-ajinkya-rahane-during-ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-2019-day-2-1257967.html |title=Keshav Maharaj Gets His 100th Wicket Dismissing Ajinkya Rahane During IND vs SA, 2nd Test 2019 Day 2 |work=Latestly |access-date=11 October 2019}}</ref><br />
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In November 2020, Maharaj was named in South Africa's squad for their [[limited overs cricket|limited overs]] series [[English cricket team in South Africa in 2020–21|against England]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30265770/england-tour-south-africa-2020-uncapped-glenton-stuurnman-south-africa-white-ball-squads |title=Uncapped Glenton Stuurnman in South Africa white-ball squads |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=6 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cricket.co.za/news/36453/CSA-name-Proteas-squad-for-inbound-England-tour |title=CSA name Proteas squad for inbound England tour |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=6 November 2020 |archive-date=26 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126145358/https://cricket.co.za/news/36453/CSA-name-Proteas-squad-for-inbound-England-tour |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 21 June 2021, Maharaj took South Africa's second ever [[Test hat-trick]], and first since [[Geoff Griffin]] at [[Lord's]] in 1960, during the fourth day of the second Test match of [[South African cricket team in the West Indies in 2021|South Africa's tour of the West Indies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latestly.com/socially/sports/cricket/keshav-maharaj-becomes-first-south-african-to-take-a-test-hat-trick-since-1960-achieves-feat-during-wi-vs-sa-2nd-test-day-4-2571229.html|title=Keshav Maharaj Becomes First South African to Take a Test Hat-Trick Since 1960, Achieves Feat During WI vs SA 2nd Test Day 4 |work=Latestly |access-date=21 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportstiger.com/watch-keshav-maharaj-takes-hat-trick-against-west-indies-in-second-test-becomes-2nd-south-african-to-accomplish-this-feat/|title=Keshav Maharaj takes hat-trick against West Indies in second Test, becomes 2nd South African to accomplish this feat |work=Sports Tiger |access-date=21 June 2021}}</ref> In September 2021, Maharaj was named in South Africa's squad for the [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]] despite being uncapped in T20Is.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/t20-world-cup-south-africa-leave-out-faf-du-plessis-and-imran-tahir-and-chris-morris-1276995 |title=T20 World Cup: South Africa leave out Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and Chris Morris |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Morris, du Plessis miss out, Maharaj included in South Africa's T20 World Cup squad|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2247211|access-date=2021-09-14|website=www.icc-cricket.com|language=en}}</ref> He made his T20I debut on 10 September 2021, for South Africa against [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]] as the team's captain,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1271630.html |title=1st T20I (N), Colombo (RPS), Sep 10 2021, South Africa tour of Sri Lanka |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 September 2021}}</ref> and took a [[List of bowlers who have taken a wicket with their first ball in a format of international cricket#Wicket with first ball in T20I career|wicket with his first ball]] in T20Is.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2248299 |title=Collective effort helps South Africa take 1-0 series lead |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=10 September 2021}}</ref> He also helped South Africa win the series 3-0 after South Africa lost the ODI series to Sri Lanka 2–1.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Openers demolish Sri Lanka after bowling strangle as South Africa sweep series|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-in-sri-lanka-2021-1271624/sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-3rd-t20i-1271632/match-report|access-date=14 September 2021|website=ESPN Cricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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===Injury and return===<br />
In March 2023, Maharaj ruptured his [[achilles tendon]] during a match against West Indies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/mar/12/cricket-south-africas-keshav-maharaj-ruptures-achilles-while-celebrating-wicket|title=South Africa's Keshav Maharaj ruptures achilles while celebrating wicket|date=12 March 2023|publisher=Guardian|access-date=12 October 2023}}</ref> In September 2023, Maharaj was named in the South African squad for the [[2023 Cricket World Cup]] in India after making a sooner than expected recovery from his injury.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sa-vs-aus-4th-odi-the-story-of-keshav-maharaj-s-miracle-comeback-1398304|title=The story of Keshav Maharaj's miracle comeback|date=14 September 2023|access-date=14 September 2023|publisher=[[ESPN Cricinfo]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/3671418|title=South Africa unveil squad for World Cup 2023|date=5 September 2023|publisher=[[International Cricket Council]]|access-date=5 September 2023}}</ref> He was the lead spinner in the team and extracted drift, turn and bounce from the pitch and was one of the most economical bowlers in the tournament with an [[economy rate]] of 4.15.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mukherjee |first=Abhishek |date=16 November 2023 |title=South Africa's Keshav Maharaj Delay Shows The Perils Of Match-Up Captaincy |url=https://www.wisden.com/series/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup-2023-24/cricket-news/cwc-2023-south-africa-keshav-maharaj-delay-australia-semi-final-sa-aus |access-date=1 April 2025 |publisher=[[Wisden]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2 November 2023|title=Cricket World Cup: Keshav Maharaj spins a web to accelerate New Zealand collapse and ends South Africa's 5-match losing streak to them |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket-world-cup/cricket-world-cup-keshav-maharaj-spins-a-web-to-accelerate-new-zealand-collapse-and-ends-south-africas-5-match-losing-streak-to-them-9009802/|access-date=16 November 2023|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|language=en}}</ref> He also contributed with the bat including a tenth wicket partnership with [[Tabraiz Shamsi]] leading to a win against [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]] during a group stage fixture at [[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium|Chennai]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Keshav Maharaj caps unlikely World Cup comeback with cathartic winning role |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-world-cup-2023-pak-vs-sa-keshav-maharaj-caps-unlikely-world-cup-comeback-with-cathartic-winning-role-1405755|access-date=16 November 2023|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|language=en}}</ref> In November 2023, during the 2023 world cup, he became the number one bowler in [[ICC men's player rankings|ICC ODI bowling rankings]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Waris |first=Sarah |date=14 November 2023 |title=ICC Rankings Update: Keshav Maharaj Jumps To No.1 Ahead Of World Cup Semi-Finals |url=https://www.wisden.com/series/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup-2023-24/cricket-news/icc-rankings-update-keshav-maharaj-no-1-world-cup-semi-finals |access-date=1 April 2025 |publisher=[[Wisden]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Singh |first=Niyanta|date=16 November 2023|title=SA cricketer's father over the moon as his son's determination pays off |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/witness/news/sa-cricketers-father-over-the-moon-as-his-sons-determination-pays-off/|access-date=16 November 2023|publisher=Citizen|language=en}}</ref><br />
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In May 2024, he was named in South Africa’s squad for the [[2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]] tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Africa Squad for ICC Men's T20I World Cup |url=https://www.scorewaves.com/news-details/south-africa-squad-for-t20-world-cup |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=ScoreWaves |language=en}}</ref><br />
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On 19 August 2025, Maharaj took his first 5-wicket haul in One Day International cricket, against Australia at [[Cazaly's Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/aus-vs-sa-1st-odi-keshav-maharaj-responds-to-t20i-snub-with-statement-white-ball-display-1499771|title=Maharaj shakes off T20I snub with statement white-ball display|publisher=[[ESPNCricinfo]]|date=19 August 2025}}</ref><br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
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==External links==<br />
{{commons category}}<br />
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{{Navboxes<br />
|title= South Africa squads <br />
|bg= #007749<br />
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|list1=<br />
{{South Africa Squad 2016 World Twenty20}}<br />
{{South Africa Squad 2021 Men's T20 World Cup}}<br />
{{South Africa Squad 2022 Men's T20 World Cup}}<br />
{{South Africa 2023 Cricket World Cup squad}}<br />
{{South Africa Squad 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup}}<br />
{{South Africa 2025 ICC World Test Championship squad}}<br />
{{South Africa Squad 2026 Men's T20 World Cup}}<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Maharaj, Keshav}}<br />
[[Category:1990 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Cricketers from Durban]]<br />
[[Category:Dolphins (South African cricket team) players]]<br />
[[Category:Durban Heat cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Durban's Super Giants cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:KwaZulu-Natal cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Lancashire cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:South African expatriate cricketers in England]]<br />
[[Category:South African cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:South Africa Test cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:South Africa One Day International cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:South Africa Twenty20 International cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:21st-century South African sportsmen]]<br />
[[Category:South African Hindus]]<br />
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[[Category:Sportspeople of Indian descent]]<br />
[[Category:Yorkshire cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Alumni of Northwood School, Durban]]<br />
[[Category:People from eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality]]<br />
[[Category:Test cricket hat-trick takers]]<br />
[[Category:Rajasthan Royals cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:South African expatriate cricketers in India]]</div>BrianSop