'Hasn't closed the door': South Africa spinner on T20 exclusion in recent series, hopes of playing 2026 World Cup
Keshav Maharaj
says he is far from done with T20 cricket and is determined to push for selection at the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, despite being left out of South Africa's recent T20I series against Australia.
The experienced left-arm spinner, who has been a regular in South Africa's white-ball sides over the past few years, stressed that his omission was more about experimentation than exclusion. 'Yeah, I'm available. I think 'Shuks' (Shukri Conrad) wants to try some things. He hasn't closed the door, so I'm hoping that I will get an opportunity to show him what I can do,' Maharaj told reporters on Sunday.
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Maharaj has been included in South Africa's ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia at Cazalys Stadium, one of five changes along with skipper Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi.
He missed the recent Test series against Zimbabwe due to a groin strain but confirmed the injury played no part in his absence from the T20I fixtures, which South Africa lost 2-1.
The 35-year-old was an important part of South Africa's journey to the Men's T20 World Cup final last year, where they finished runners-up to India in Barbados. He also featured in every match of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, finishing with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.15, as the Proteas reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Australia.
Looking ahead, Maharaj made it clear that he has no intention of cutting down on his workload as South Africa prepare for a busy calendar. 'Not at all. Not yet. The T20 World Cup in 2026 is a huge one for me. For now, I'm happy to play three formats. I still love bowling and until that passion falls away then I want to play all three formats for my country and be a match winner,' he said.
Poll
What is the main reason for Keshav Maharaj's omission from the recent T20I series?
Injury concerns
Team experimentation
Shift in coach's preference
With 16 T20Is scheduled before the next World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Maharaj remains optimistic that opportunities will come his way. For now, his focus shifts to the ODI series against Australia, where he will look to remind selectors of his value across formats.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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