Latest news with #KeshavMaharaj
Int'l Cricket Council
2 hours ago
- General
- Int'l Cricket Council
Maharaj lauds Proteas' driven youngsters for Test revival
Keshav Maharaj has been a key member in South Africa's journey to The World Test Championship final that began with three losses out of the four Tests in this cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The Proteas saw through the transition phase with new young players coming in, went on to top the WTC points table and will now take on Australia in the Final at Lord's from 11 June. Only three players in South Africa's World Test Championship final squad have experience of playing 50 Tests or more and Maharaj is one of them. Speaking on the role of a senior ahead of the Ultimate Test, Maharaj felt the core of four-five experienced players have always tried to be a shoulder for them. Keshav Maharaj proud of South Africa's Test resurgence | WTC25 Final Keshav Maharaj hails South Africa's recent rise in Test cricket heading into the World Test Championship Final against Australia. "Since the time the transition came, when the Test side started its journey, we've always been the support and tried to be there to support them both on and off the field. "In terms of this week coming (ahead of the big final), just to settle the nerves, make sure everyone's nice and calm and focused on what we have, the task at hand." Maharaj added that the support was a two-way factor since the young energy augurs well with the brand of cricket that the Proteas aim to play and helped the team transition nicely. "I think they've also been a support for us, bring that sort of new energy, that sort of exuberance of youth. "The exuberance of youth, it filters into the way we play our brand of cricket and probably the reason why we're here today, building up towards the WTC final." The other senior, captain Temba Bavuma, along with coach Shukri Conrad, have kept the boys motivated ahead of the big final with different styles of leadership, reckons Maharaj. "Temba is a good motivator, he reads the game really well and is a brilliant leader on the field," Maharaj added. "But with regards to Shukri, I think he gives you clarity. "He's open and honest, and I think he just allows you to have the freedom to express yourself, be yourself, and just show everyone what you're capable of." Maharaj also felt the experience from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 final will help the team draw the confidence to stand up in big moments. Keshav Maharaj is confident | SA v IND | T20WC 2024 Final "It's just about staying calm, trusting your skill, trusting the hard work, not just now but over the years and years that you've put in, and making sure that we're enjoying it out there. "I think that's one thing that's probably been a standout out of most teams from our Test side, is that the enjoyment factor among each other has been absolutely superb to watch."
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj looks forward to Australia's WTC final challenge
New Delhi [India] June 1 (ANI): South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj is raring to take on Australia in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at the Oval starting June 11, according to ICC website. Maharaj has proved himself to be a team player, filling the much-needed spin void in the South Africa setup while also becoming a part of the team's think tank. 'I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can,' Maharaj said as quoted from ICC. The 35-year-old returns to competitive cricket after a prolonged break, and is raring to take on Pat Cummins' men in the Ultimate Test. Maharaj has 22 wickets against Australia in the format, at an average of 45 in conditions that don't have the best support for spinners. Maharaj has also played a big role in South Africa's journey to the final, with 40 wickets from eight games in this cycle of the World Test Championship. Despite the break, Maharaj's focus remains on overcoming the Australians. 'Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus,' he added. 'I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don't need any motivation to play a final against Australia.' Australia are the only team to have won all senior Men's ICC events across formats, with a total of 10 titles to their name. 'We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats.' However, Maharaj believes that this South African side, which has won its last seven Tests in a row, can stop the Australian juggernaut. 'When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that's what really matters.' Maharaj also pointed out South Africa's outstanding record at the Lord's Cricket Ground, wherein they have won five Tests since their readmission to cricket in 1991. 'We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord's as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans.' While Maharaj will focus on getting South Africa their first senior Men's title since 1998, he is also on the cusp of a rare landmark: becoming the first-ever South African spinner to achieve 200 Test wickets. He has 198 wickets in the format at present. 'I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don't really matter, as long as the team is winning,' Maharaj states. 'Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country.' (ANI)
India Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
South Africa's never-say-die attitude stands out: Keshav Maharaj ready for WTC Final
South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj believes that discipline and precise execution of their game plans will be crucial to securing victory in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia. With the high-stakes encounter set to commence on 11 June at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, Maharaj emphasised the importance of focus and thorough preparation as South Africa pursues its maiden WTC made his international debut in a Test match against Australia at the WACA nine years ago. Now, with 57 Tests behind him, the experienced left-arm spinner is set to take on the same opponent in the ICC World Test Championship Final that debut, Maharaj has grown into a key figure in the South African setup. In a team traditionally driven by pace, he has filled a long-standing spin void while also emerging as a respected voice in the dressing room. "I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can," Maharaj told Cricket South from a prolonged break, the 35-year-old is eager to contribute in the one-off Test against Pat Cummins' side. While his numbers against Australia – 22 wickets at an average of 45 – may not jump off the page, Maharaj has played a crucial role in South Africa's path to the final, taking 40 wickets in just eight matches in this WTC had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus."I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don't need any motivation to play a final against Australia."South Africa and Australia have shared a fierce history in ICC knockout matches, including the dramatic semi-finals of the 1999 and 2023 World Cups, both won by Australia. Maharaj knows the scale of the challenge his side faces."We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats," he this South African team arrives in London with momentum, having won their last seven Tests."When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that's what really Shuks and Temba have done deserves a lot of credit. They have encouraged us, and to see this team come together and get to where we are, it really is special."South Africa will also take heart from their strong record at Lord's. Since their return to international cricket in 1991, they have won five Test matches at the historic venue."We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord's as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans."While his attention is firmly on the final, Maharaj is also on the verge of a personal milestone. With 198 wickets, he is just two short of becoming the first South African spinner to reach 200 in Test cricket."I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don't really matter, as long as the team is winning," Maharaj said."Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country."Must Watch
Mint
3 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj looks forward to Australias WTC final challenge
New Delhi [India] June 1 (ANI): South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj is raring to take on Australia in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at the Oval starting June 11, according to ICC website. Maharaj has proved himself to be a team player, filling the much-needed spin void in the South Africa setup while also becoming a part of the team's think tank. "I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can," Maharaj said as quoted from ICC. The 35-year-old returns to competitive cricket after a prolonged break, and is raring to take on Pat Cummins' men in the Ultimate Test. Maharaj has 22 wickets against Australia in the format, at an average of 45 in conditions that don't have the best support for spinners. Maharaj has also played a big role in South Africa's journey to the final, with 40 wickets from eight games in this cycle of the World Test Championship. Despite the break, Maharaj's focus remains on overcoming the Australians. "Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus," he added. "I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don't need any motivation to play a final against Australia." Australia are the only team to have won all senior Men's ICC events across formats, with a total of 10 titles to their name. "We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats." However, Maharaj believes that this South African side, which has won its last seven Tests in a row, can stop the Australian juggernaut. "When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that's what really matters." Maharaj also pointed out South Africa's outstanding record at the Lord's Cricket Ground, wherein they have won five Tests since their readmission to cricket in 1991. "We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord's as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans." While Maharaj will focus on getting South Africa their first senior Men's title since 1998, he is also on the cusp of a rare landmark: becoming the first-ever South African spinner to achieve 200 Test wickets. He has 198 wickets in the format at present. "I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don't really matter, as long as the team is winning," Maharaj states. "Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country." (ANI)
Hans India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Key for South Africa is to focus on executing plans in WTC final, says Maharaj
South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj believes the key for his team in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against Australia will be the focus on executing their plans in the one-off title clash, starting on June 11 at Lord's. 'We know that it is a crucial, once-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord's as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans. When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out.' 'There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that's what really matters.' 'What Shuks and Temba have done deserves a lot of credit. They have encouraged us, and to see this team come together and get to where we are, it really is special,' said Maharaj in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement on Sunday. Maharaj is also on the cusp of achieving a rare landmark, becoming the first-ever South African spinner to achieve 200 Test wickets. As of now, he stands at 198 wickets in the longer format, a journey which began with his debut against Australia in 2012. 'I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can. I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don't really matter, as long as the team is winning.' 'Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country,' he added. Maharaj played a big role in South Africa's journey to entering their first-ever WTC final, by picking 40 wickets from eight games in this cycle of the competition. He signed off by saying that having a two-month break will keep him fresh in aiming to help the Proteas win the ultimate prize in Test cricket. 'Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus. I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break.' 'But you don't need any motivation to play a final against Australia. We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats,' he concluded.
