Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj is a South African cricketer who bowls left-arm orthodox spin and serves as vice-captain in limited-overs cricket. After consistently being among the leading wicket-takers in South Africa’s first-class competition during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, Keshav Maharaj made his Test debut for South Africa against Australia at the WACA in 2016. The left-arm orthodox spinner, who had previously debuted in first-class cricket for KwaZulu-Natal during the 2006’07 season, delivered a strong international introduction, taking 3 for 56 in the first innings and scoring an unbeaten 41 runs. His impressive form led to further recognition, earning him the International Newcomer of the Year award at Cricket South Africa’s annual awards in 2017.

Maharaj continued to build on his early success, achieving his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests against New Zealand in 2017. Later that same year, he made his One Day International (ODI) debut for South Africa against England. In July 2018, he recorded his career-best Test bowling figures, an exceptional 9 for 129 against Sri Lanka, marking the second-best performance by a South African in a Test innings and the best ever by a visiting bowler in Sri Lanka. This monumental achievement solidified his position as a prominent spinner in international cricket, culminating in him reaching 100 wickets in Test cricket during a series against India in October 2019.

Looking ahead, in 2025, Maharaj is poised to cement his legacy further by becoming South Africa’s most prolific spinner in Test cricket, surpassing Hugh Tayfield’s longstanding record of 170 wickets. As vice-captain in limited-overs cricket, he continues to be a central figure for the national team, contributing consistently with his accurate left-arm spin and leadership.