The Proteas’ popular left-arm star spinner Keshav Maharaj became South Africa’s most successful spinner during the 2nd Test against the West Indies on the Proteas’ recent tour of the Caribbean.
Maharaj was one of the star performers on the tour with the ball, returning figures of 4/76, 4/88, 2/8 and 3/37 across the two Tests.
The West Indies had established a dangerous seventh-wicket partnership between Joshua Da Silva (27) and Gudakesh Motie (45) that took the hosts to within 81 runs of the Proteas‘ total, so things were getting nervy at Providence as the West Indies had an outside chance of snatching their first home series win over South Africa in 23 years.
But Maharaj knocked over both batters leg-before for the addition of just one run, the second wicket drawing him level with Tayfield. He then secured the win by 40 runs when Jayden Seales poked an inside edge for David Beddingham to snatch with great instincts at short leg, securing the win and moving Maharaj ahead of Tayfield and into ninth spot on South Africa’s all-time list of Test bowling.
Tayfield, who like Maharaj was also a Durbanite, held the record for over 60 years until Maharaj broke that record in his 52nd test match for the Proteas. The 34-year-old had to bide his time before he was given his shot in Test whites for the Proteas and made his debut for South Africa in 2016 in Perth against Australia. Maharaj took four wickets in that test match and scored 41 runs in the second innings to help his team to an emphatic win.
In 2018 Maharaj then lit up the Test world when he ripped through the Sri Lanka batting lineup to take 9/129 in the first innings of the test match in Colombo. Those figures remain the second best by a South Africa behind Tayfield who took 9/113 against England in 1957.
Speaking about Maharaj and his intricate attention to detail, Hollywoodbets Dolphins assistant coach Mduduzi Mbatha is not surprised that he’s gone on to achieve what he has.
“When you talk about Keshav Maharaj you talk about world-class preparation. He’s the first to arrive at training and the last to leave,” said Mbatha.
“Kesh is someone that is always willing to learn, and to help others which also allows him to grow his own game and he’s an example to others on how to go about mastering your craft.
“He spends a lot of time alone making sure that he’s putting in the hard yards and we are incredibly proud of what he has achieved and long may it continue for the Proteas and the Dolphins.”
Maharaj began his career at the Dolphins and represented all the age-group teams through the KZN pipeline before graduating to the KZN men’s side in 2006. He then progressed into the Dolphins ranks where he has been a stalwart ever since.
The impact that the former Northwood High School star has had on cricket in KwaZulu-Natal and nationally has been significant, and his dedication to the Dolphins continues to be admirable.
For CEO of KZN Cricket Heinrich Strydom, Maharaj epitomises what the Dolphins brand is about.
“The hard work and dedication that Keshav puts into his game behind the scenes and away from people is what makes him great,” said Strydom.
“His determination, humility and drive to be the best is something that we try and mirror here at the Dolphins, and to call Keshav a true son of Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium is a proud moment for everyone here.”
Maharaj’s impact on international cricket continues to grow as he currently sits at number one on the official ICC ODI bowler rankings.
Maharaj has also proven himself handy with the bat for the Proteas in Tests, scoring five half-centuries (many when the Proteas were in trouble) with a highest score of 84. This last tour was not one he will look back on with fond memories, having been dismissed for a duck in all three times at bat in the two Tests… facing just five balls in total. Good thing, then, that he was able to return home with a bowling record under his belt!
Keshav Maharaj, with 171 Test wickets, surpassed Hugh Tayfield as South Africa’s leading spinner.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 21, 2024
Maharaj's rise is unique for two reasons – one, he is of Indian origin. And two, he is a spinner.@exceedingxpuns traces his rise ➡️ https://t.co/WvctT1dydo pic.twitter.com/C4txvYRtFB
