logo
Keshav Maharaj: Turning past disappointments into World Test Championship triumph

Keshav Maharaj: Turning past disappointments into World Test Championship triumph

IOL Newsa day ago

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj hope they can join the South African cricket pantheon of greats with a win over Australia in the World Test Championship final.
Image: Rodger Bosch / AFP
As a key player who stars in all formats, Keshav Maharaj has had his fair share of heartbreak in Proteas colours over the last few years.
The left-arm spinner was part of the side that finished runners-up at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024, while the Proteas also reached the semi-finals of both the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Those near misses still sting, as the South African cricket side continue to be regarded as nearly men.
But, ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Maharaj wants them to channel that heartbreak into vibes ahead of Wednesday morning's first day at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
'In previous attempts, no one expected us to reach the knockout phases of any competition, but we have reached two semi-finals and two finals,' Maharaj told the ICC.
'Hopefully through all those misses we come right in this one. There is a lot of inspiration we can draw from in the brand of cricket we have played in the last three or four years.
'If we run with it and stay true to it, hopefully this is our opportunity to finally raise that most-coveted trophy that has eluded us for a number of years.'
This Test team has been up for every fight thus far, except in New Zealand in January 2024 when a virtual third-string Proteas team got hammered while the top guns were playing in the SA20.
The Proteas won their last seven Test matches to qualify for the final by playing some aggressive cricket and with everybody in the team making big contributions.
Compared to the last Proteas side that held the ICC Test Championship mace at Lord's in 2012, Shukri Conrad's team do not have many legendary names such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn and Graeme Smith.
What they do have is a strong team culture second to none, and beating Australia in the WTC final will surely see their names also stand alongside some of the greats of the South African game.
'I remember watching that when they lifted the mace,' Maharaj said.
'We know that apart from doing it for us, we want to honour the legends of the past and hopefully we will one day be seen in the same calibre and light to win such a coveted title and hold the Test mace.
'When we started the journey two years ago, a lot of people didn't think we'd be in this situation, but with each and every series we grow more and more,' added Maharaj.
'Our blend of youth and experience complements each other really nicely, and we find ourselves competing for another trophy.
'The boys have put in a lot of hard work. The excitement is building as we edge closer and it's now about letting it sink in and soaking up the occasion to allow us to play with freedom.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Polievka and Mako
Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Polievka and Mako

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Polievka and Mako

It seems like Kaizer Chiefs' pursuit of Fiston Mayele was an unrealistic ambition. Where else is the club turning to for the centre forward role? According to this latest report, Nasreddine Nabi has found a target in Europe. The player's name is Robert Polievka from Krupina, Slovakia. Sportswire, this new Kaizer Chiefs target, Polievka, is still contracted to the Hungarian club MTK Budapest until 2027. He has scored four goals in 26 games for them… Full story here. 'Kaizer Chiefs bosses signed me, not the coach' – Gilbert As reported last weekend, Kaizer Chiefs are in advanced talks to sign the 31-year-old left-back Paseka Mako. Orlando Pirates announced that the Zebediela-born Mako has left the Buccaneers after seven years at the Rand Stadium. Mako won four MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies. An insider has now revealed that Mako agreed to join Kaizer Chiefs before turning down Orlando Pirates' new offer to keep him at the club… Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Orlando Pirates transfer news: Mofokeng and Moremi
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Mofokeng and Moremi

The South African

time2 hours ago

  • The South African

Orlando Pirates transfer news: Mofokeng and Moremi

Teko Modise had all the experience of being an Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana poster boy, just like Relebohile Mofokeng in 2025. The Soweto-born legend has sent what sounds like a plea to Orlando Pirates regarding the future of the 20-year-old Mofokeng. Randfontein-born star had a decent season with 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games. According to Modise, Mofokeng is ripe to take the ideal next step in his career. It is a move to Europe, where football is at its highest level. Kaizer Chiefs questioned for signing 31-year-old 'When it comes to Rele, it's very difficult for Orlando Pirates to sell, especially when it comes to top players,' Modise told FARPost on the talented Sea Robber. 'The last time they had a player who was exciting like that was [Thembinkosi] Lorch. Yes, sometimes, as South African fans, we want to see the youngsters go further abroad and do great things,' the Orlando Pirates legend added… Full story here. Betway Premiership giants Orlando Pirates are linked with another player from AmaZulu FC. The Sea Robbers signed Tapelo Xoki and Makhahleni Makhaula from the same club since 2022. With the likes of Gilberto and Katlego Otladisa set to leave the Buccaneers, reports say Orlando Pirates are close to signing Tshepang Moremi. The speedy winger, with a similar touch and grace to Lebohang 'Cheeseboy' Mokoena, was born in Sharpville, Gateung, which is the same hometown as Relebohile Mofokeng… Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Kaizer Chiefs questioned for signing 31-year-old
Kaizer Chiefs questioned for signing 31-year-old

The South African

time2 hours ago

  • The South African

Kaizer Chiefs questioned for signing 31-year-old

A new left-back is expected to be announced by Kaizer Chiefs. It is none other than Paseka Mako of Orlando Pirates fame. The Buccaneers bid farewell to the 31-year-old Mako before news emerged that he is moments away from signing for Betway Premiership giants and bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Former Orlando Pirates full-back Innocent Makoya has thrown heavy questions towards Kaizer Chiefs for the decision. Teko sends honest transfer message to Orlando Pirates boss 'Looking at the contribution rate that Paseka has done in the past and the presence, looking at the direction Pirates is going, his contribution is very low,' Chikoya told KickOff. 'If your contribution is 50% low, age is not on your side, the chances of you being offloaded are high,' the former Buccaneer said. 'Jimmy Tau left Pirates for Kaizer Chiefs when he was at his best. Arthur Zwane did the same when he was at his best. Hence, they did well. But besides those two, who else left Pirates, especially with age not on their side and did well at Chiefs? 'If I sign a 31-year-old he should be a player that is getting game time as I'm looking for experience. If, at his age, Paseka has been consistently playing week in and week out, he could have been a great signing for Kaizer Chiefs. Former Orlando Pirates defender Paseka Mako at the DHL Stadium in a Betway Premiership match against Cape Town City FC. Image: Sowetan Kaizer Chiefs to sign and announce Polievka? 'But if you have not been playing and you go to a bigger team that is trying to overtake Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates…it's a tough one for Paseka. Remember, Chiefs and Pirates right now, all they want is to dethrone Sundowns. 'But you can't dethrone Sundowns if you are signing 31-year-olds while Sundowns are busy bringing in the likes of 24-year-old Jayden Adams. The players Sundowns are bringing in still have like seven years of professional football ahead of them. 'You look at Pirates, the players they are signing are players that are competing to be in the national team. 'I don't know if Paseka is a good signing for a club like Kaizer Chiefs; right now, Paseka should be going to a team that he will play for until he retires. If Pirates is releasing him, then how come he good for Chiefs? Right now, a lot is expected from Chiefs. They are under a lot of pressure to overtake Sundowns and Pirates,' Chikoya concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store