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[VIDEOS] Keshav Maharaj - The Maharaj of spin bowling

Slog said:
Yes I believe so.

The quota system is not just propping up inferior colored players

The problem is that due to the strict quota limitations in domestic cricket, the standard of the South african domestic system has fallen down significantly.

So duds like Kuhn (right now he looks one) ends up topping domestic charts and lookign like a beast because the domestic bowling standards are so low
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You gonna blame qoutas for the failure of a white player? Wow white players can never do wrong in your eyes. It's always the black players fault.
 
I guess i was wrong about this guy being only good for LOI's. Another fifer where the seamers are struggling. Not getting enough support at the other end or he would have done better. Anyway we can poach this guy since he's an ancient indian? :kapil
 
What happened to the posters who said he is only playing because of the "quota"?
 
He will be great in asian conditions (and good outside asia as well). I can't wait to see him perform in india on rank turners. (He could have been really useful for south africa in 2015 series)
 
Most runs conceded in a Test:
374 Tommy Scott v Eng Kingston 1929/30
358 J Krejza v Ind Nagpur 2008/09
318 K Maharaj v Ind Vizag 2019/20 *
308 A Mailey v Eng SCG 1924/25
 
jagatk said:
Looks more Das rather than a maharaj. 318-5 in 77 overs is a very poor return.
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Watch him become Maharaj again as soon as he plays some other teams. Most spinners in history have always been ordinary against India.
 
Not a bad bowler. It was a slow pitch. Batsmen had ample time to play on the backfoot. Even jadeja found it harder to keep it tight.
 
CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) has congratulated Keshav Maharaj on becoming the 17th South African and the 13th of the modern era to reach the milestone of a century of Test match wickets.

Maharaj, playing in his 27th Test match, achieved the landmark when he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane on the second day of the second Freedom Series Test match against India at Pune on Friday.

“Congratulations to Keshav on this significant milestone in his career,” commented CSA Acting Director of Cricket Corrie van Zyl. “He has been a key member of the Standard Bank Proteas attack from the time of his debut against Australia under difficult circumstances when the team was left with an effective three-man attack after the injury to Dale Steyn

“He played an important part in winning that series and again in another away series in New Zealand when he topped the South African bowling averages.

“One of the hallmarks of his career has been his ability to take wickets in all parts of the world and under all conditions. On his first trip to the sub-continent he became only the second South African to take 9 wickets in an innings against Sri Lanka.

“We look forward to his continuing to be the leader of our spin attack for many years to come,” concluded Van Zyl.
 
SA may be struggling but he's providing some entertainment with the bat. Smashed Root for 24 in an over.
 
South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj showed his class with the bat on the final day of the third Test after smashing England skipper Joe Root for 24 runs in an over that's now become the most expensive in Test cricket.

After Maharaj hit Root for three fours and two sixes off the first five balls, the final ball went for four byes, eventually costing England 28 runs.

During the 82nd over of the South African second innings, Maharaj started off by hitting three consecutive fours off the first three balls before lofting Root for two sixes over midwicket. The last ball went for four byes as Root’s over resulted in 28 runs and this is the joint-most runs scored in an over in the longest format. Former West Indies captain Brian Lara and Australia's George Bailey have also scored as many runs, albeit all 28 runs were off the bat.

The host lost the third Test by an innings and 53 runs as England took a 2-1 lead in the series.

The final Test will be played in Johannesburg from January 24.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...over-england-south-africa/article30609922.ece


Most runs in an over in Tests


28 (466444): Brian Lara vs Robin Peterson (2003-04)

28 (62466): George Bailey vs James Anderson (2013-14)

28 (44466b4): Keshav Maharaj vs Joe Root (2019-20)

27 (666621): Shahid Afridi vs Harbhajan Singh (2005-06)

26 (444464): Craig McMillan vs Younis Khan (2000-01)


https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...-in-an-over/story-RiSIER0h2KDNOUw2T7eKIP.html
 
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Keshav Maharaj admitted that he's been enjoying the downtime associated with lockdown, but it's become abundantly clear too that he utilised it to ponder the next phase of his international career.

The Proteas left-arm spinner surprised the broader cricketing fraternity on Thursday by revealing that he'd be more than keen to become captain of the national team, particularly in Tests, where there's currently a vacancy.

His leadership qualities have come to the fore this season after shepherding the Dolphins to the One Day Cup title though that should hardly be the cornerstone of his candidacy.

The reality is that while Maharaj is an important player for South Africa, he's not become indispensable yet.

If that were the case he wouldn't still be left out of playing XIs in home Tests and only appear sporadically in the limited overs formats.

To his credit, Maharaj has identified a potential way to bolster his case: become a fully-fledged all-rounder.

110 wickets at 33.19 compares favourably to South Africa's other Test spinners post-isolation, but whether it's world-beating numbers is a matter for debate.

As a result, Maharaj would need to nudge his batting average - still a lowly 15.30 - up significantly.

"I really want to take my batting seriously and move to a bowling all-rounder or a full one so I can contribute evenly," he said.

"I know I am capable of scoring bigger runs."

The past season certainly provided some encouraging signs in that regard.

Both Maharaj's Test fifties came in that time - a composed 72 against a vaunted Indian attack in Pune and a more swashbuckling 71 off 106 against England in Port Elizabeth after his first 73 deliveries only yielded 19 runs.

"In India, I got a taste of what it's like to score an international fifty. I wanted to really kick on but it was a bit unfortunate to get out," he said.

"My biggest problem was getting the first fifty so now I want to try and kick on from that and get big hundreds and match-winning hundreds."

No-one will complain if that starts happening.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/P...-become-indispensable-to-the-proteas-20200507
 
Brother Keshav needs to focus on his bowling first. Can't get trashed the way he did when the saffers cane over here.
 
Yasir Shah in his presser singled out Maharaj as a threat for Pakistan in the Test series.
 
Clearly SA's best spinner at the moment! Pakistan's biggest threat in the 2nd Test
 
MenInG said:
Clearly SA's best spinner at the moment! Pakistan's biggest threat in the 2nd Test
Click to expand...
Yes i was shocked when i checked the scorecard at 22/3 i thought here we go again it must be the SAF pacers destroying our worthless top order but was amazed to see 2 out of 3 wickets going to Maharaj on first day first morning. Impressive stuff.
 
Excellent bowling from Maharaj.
He would have ripped through the Indian batting lineup if Kohli and Iyer hadn't shown some resilience in the middle.
 
Maharaj rises to second on the ICC ODI bowling rankings

Durban – In the most recent ICC ODI bowling rankings, Hollywoodbets Dolphins and Proteas star Keshav Maharaj has risen to second in the world following some outstanding performances with the ball at the current ICC Cricket World Cup.

Maharaj has played in 39 One Day Internationals since he made his debut in 50 over cricket in 2017 and has risen to the ranks of senior player in the one day side which culminated in a stint as captain of the 50 over national side.

Having played all of his domestic cricket for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Maharaj is well on his way to becoming a legend of Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium and his steady rise on the international stage proves what a talent he is.

At the current World Cup in India of the bowlers that have bowled over 60 overs in the competition so far, Maharaj has the fifth best economy rate in the competition and is the most economical South African bowler.

His value has also been brought to light by the fact that he has bowled the most overs by any South African bowler at the World Cup and has the best figures for the Proteas at the competition with his 4/46 against New Zealand.

For the CEO of KZN Cricket Heinrich Strydom, Marahaj’s current ranking is a reflection on the player he is.

“Keshav goes about his business quietly, but I don’t think there is a player that works as hard at his game as him,” Strydom said.

“It’s been a privilege to watch Keshav’s rise from domestic cricket to the top of the international game and we hope that he can continue to improve and win games for South Africa.

“His bowling is outstanding, but the way that he won the match for the Proteas against Pakistan with the bat highlights his character. He’s a player that any team would love to have in their side.”

Maharaj and the Proteas will face Afghanistan in their final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup group phase on Friday before they shift their focus to their semi-final clash with Australia on Thursday, 16 November.

ICC
 
South Africa's Keshav Maharaj has climbed the charts to the summit, with the Proteas spinner rising from No.2 to become the new number 1 ranked ODI bowler in latest ICC rankings update.
 
MenInG said:
South Africa's Keshav Maharaj has climbed the charts to the summit, with the Proteas spinner rising from No.2 to become the new number 1 ranked ODI bowler in latest ICC rankings update.
Click to expand...
He deserves to take the number 1 spot. The way he was spinning and turning the ball was amazing to watch. I always considered him a Test bowler, but in this World Cup, he was a pure ODI spinner.
 
Maharaj has really impressed with his bowling. Also , a gritty batsman who actually shows some mental fortitude while chasing. Kept his cool in crunch situation during Pak SA match in the world cup.
 
One of the greatest spells of spin bowling ever in the history of ODI world cups.

Well done Maharaj
 
An ideal start for Keshav Maharaj in WC 2024. 2 wickets in 2 overs for him against Sri Lanka.
 
South Africa could go with Keshav Maharaj to Rohit and Kohli in the powerplay

Keshav Maharaj in the powerplay in T20s since 2023

To Right-Hand batters:

Wickets: 4
Economy: 7.29

To Left-Hand batters:

Wickets: 2
Economy: 9.50
 
As the fourth day of the first Test between West Indies and South Africa ended in Port of Spain, the Proteas made us hopeful of a result. That was largely because of their left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who bowled 40 overs and picked up four wickets after giving just 76 runs.

What was even more special about this bowling display from Maharaj was that he bowled all his 40 overs unchanged from one end. He was introduced into the attack by skipper Temba Bavuma in the 13th over of West Indies’ innings during the first session of Day 3. He bowled through the small rain interruptions, continued bowling in the afternoon and evening sessions, and ended his spell late on Day 4, which started after a very long rain break.

AtKbHBw.png
 
I think Maharaj is South Africa's best Test spinner in their history.

He once took a 9-fer.
 
Most wickets by a South African spinner in Tests:

𝟏𝟕𝟏* - 𝐊𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐯 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐣 (𝟖𝟕 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬)
170 - Hugh Tayfield (61 innings)
134 - Paul Adams (76 innings)
103 - Paul Harris (63 innings)
100 - Nicky Boje (72 innings)
 
He stepped up when South Africa's spot in the WTC 2023-25 final was at stake. Keshav Maharaj took 2/65 in the 1st innings and 5/76 in the 2nd innings during the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka, helping his team secure a vital win.
 
Barring Australia and India, he has fairly good numbers everywhere. Also nearing on 200 test wickets. Very underrated.
 
Most deliveries to Shan Masood by a spinner without conceding a six:

Keshav Maharaj: 130
Taijul Islam: 66

Maharaj is the 4th spinner to have bowled 100+ deliveries to Shan, but only to haven't conceded a six.

Nathan Lyon, Jack Leach and Dilruwan Perera are the other 3.
 
Keshav Maharaj on path to greatness in eyes of teammates

When asked about South Africa’s spinner Keshav Maharaj ahead of the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, there’s something that almost every one of his teammates can agree on.

Proteas left-armer Keshav Maharaj is just two Test wickets short of reaching the acclaimed 200 club. And despite the reality that he turned 35 earlier this year, there is no sign that he’s slowing down.

The finger spinner has been highlighted as a key figure for South Africa ahead of their Ultimate Test showdown with Australia in London.

Since debuting in November 2016, coincidentally against the Aussies, he’s been a regular fixture in the Proteas XI, and it is no fluke that his wicket-taking production continues to be a phenomenon the team not only relies on, but expects.

And wickets aren’t the only thing South Africa’s players have grown to expect from their chief spinner. Maharaj’s work ethic, emphatically confirmed by teammates, is about as predictable as it gets.

Fellow bowler Lungi Ngidi was willing to ‘put the house’ on Maharaj being the first cricketer to arrive at Lord’s on Wednesday and commence his preparations while the rest of the team are still starting their mornings back at the team hotel.

“Just the work ethic that he has, I don’t think anyone can match it,” Ngidi exclusively told ICC Digital.

“I can probably put my house on it (that) he’ll be the first cricketer out there on Wednesday. He will be on the early bus with management; while they’re setting up, he’s bowling. By the time we arrive, he’s probably bowled 10-15 overs already, and the game hasn’t even started. That’s the type of person Keshav is.

“I’m not surprised that he’s about to reach this milestone and I know there’s plenty more to come for him.”

With standard-setters like Maharaj in the side, it’s no surprise that South Africa strung together seven straight Test wins to climb into World Test Championship calculations. It’s an example that’s inspired other squad members, like Tristan Stubbs.

“I think he’s the most professional cricketer we have,” said Stubbs.

“Always in the gym, always working on his game, trying to get better. Bowls the most balls and he’s just really good at his craft and our best professional.”

Batter David Bedingham has watched his team mate mature like a fine wine, crediting his cricket IQ in addition to the work ethic that sets him apart.

“Everyone in the team knows that whenever there’s a day off, Kesh will want to bowl,” Bedingham revealed ahead of the WTC Final.

“He just loves the art of spin bowling, he thinks about the game 24/7. With him wanting it that much, with him working that hard, that all adds to him taking these wickets. I genuinely think he gets better with age as well.”

The player who is normally standing right behind the stumps as Keshav sends deliveries down the pitch is wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne. And unsurprisingly, he’s among those that have been singing the bowler’s praises ahead of the Ultimate Test.

“His consistency is incredible, but I think the fact that he’s so close (to the milestone) is testament to the hard work that he puts in,” Verreynne told ICC Digital.

“I don’t think I’ve seen anyone train as hard as him. He’s so diligent with fitness, eating and recovery.”

The ‘work and sacrifice’ that defines Maharaj’s place in the squad is part of what has the Proteas believing that they, along with their spinner, are on the precipice of greatness.

“His planning’s incredible, so I think it’s no surprise that he’s South Africa’s best Test spinner and probably, at the moment, up there in the top two or three best in the world,” Verreynne continued.

“So (him) getting to 200 wickets will be incredible and no surprises that he’s achieved so much in his career, just based on how much work and preparation he puts into his cricket.”

ICC
 
Stand-in South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj has become the first spinner from his country to bag 200 wickets in Test cricket.

The left-arm spinner, who was named stand-in captain after Temba Bavuma was ruled out of the Zimbabwe Test series, reached the 200-wicket milestone in the 34th over of Zimbabwe’s innings in the first Test at Queens Sports Club.
 
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