On August 19, 2025, Keshav Maharaj made news with South Africa’s crushing win over Sri Lanka in a Test match, showcasing his skill as a top spinner. Keshav Maharaj is a famous South African cricketer known for his left-arm spin bowling. His journey from a young boy in Durban to a key player in the South African team is inspiring. With Indian roots and a strong Hindu faith, he connects deeply with fans in India and beyond. This article tells his story in simple words, covering his life, career, and achievements in detail.
Early Life And Family
Keshav Athmanand Maharaj was born on February 7, 1990, in Durban, South Africa. His family belongs to the Hindu community with roots in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. His great-grandfather moved to South Africa in 1874 as an indentured laborer. Keshav’s father, Athmanand Maharaj, was a wicketkeeper for KwaZulu-Natal province. Due to apartheid, Athmanand could not play international cricket. Keshav’s mother, Kanchan Mala, supported his dreams. He has a sister, Tarisma, who is married to a Sri Lankan named Mahesin.
Keshav grew up in a home filled with cricket. His father coached him from age two. Keshav started as a pace bowler in the Bakers Mini-Cricket program for kids. One day, while practicing, he tried spin bowling out of frustration. He found it worked well and stuck to it. His father’s guidance shaped his early skills. Keshav studied at Northwood Boys High School in Durban, the same school as cricket legend Shaun Pollock. He loved football until age 13 but chose cricket as his passion.
Keshav Maharaj Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keshav Athmanand Maharaj |
| Date of Birth | February 7, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Durban, South Africa |
| Family Background | Son of Athmanand Maharaj (former wicketkeeper) and Kanchan Mala. Indian roots from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Great-grandfather migrated to South Africa in 1874. Has a sister, Tarisma, married to Mahesin (Sri Lankan). |
| Education | Studied at Northwood Boys High School, Durban (same school as Shaun Pollock). |
| Early Career | Began playing cricket at age 2, coached by father. Started as a pace bowler in Bakers Mini-Cricket, later switched to left-arm spin. Made first-class debut for KwaZulu-Natal in 2006–07 (age 16). Joined Dolphins in 2009–10. |
| International Debut | Test: Nov 3, 2016 vs Australia (Perth), took 3/56 & scored unbeaten 41. ODI: 2017 vs England. T20I: 2021 vs Sri Lanka (as captain). |
| Major Achievements | Took 9/129 in a test innings vs Sri Lanka (2018) – best by a visiting bowler in Sri Lanka. Second South African to take a Test hat-trick (2021 vs West Indies). Member of South Africa’s 2025 ICC World Test Championship-winning team. |
| Notable Performances | Scored 481 runs with two centuries in 2012–13 domestic season. Took 6/58 and 10/145 for Dolphins vs Cape Cobras (2014–15). Hit the winning four in an ODI vs Pakistan (2023). |
| Franchise Cricket | Durban Heat (2018), Lancashire (2018), Yorkshire (2019), Fortune Barishal (2024). IPL debut with Rajasthan Royals (2024). Captains Durban’s Super Giants (SA20). |
| Career Stats (as of 2025) | Tests: 57 matches, 198 wickets. ODIs: 48 matches, 58 wickets. T20Is: 39 matches, 38 wickets. Rankings (2025): 17th in Test bowling, 3rd in ODI bowling. |
| Recent News (2024) | Dec 9, 2024 – played in South Africa’s Test win over Sri Lanka. Visited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya before IPL 2024. |
| Personal Life | Married Lerisha Munsamy, a Kathak dancer, in April 2022. Met in 2018, got engaged after 5 months. Initially kept their relationship private. |
| Faith & Interests | Devout Hindu, follower of Lord Hanuman & Lord Ram. Requested “Ram Siya Ram” to be played during matches. Bat with ‘Om’ symbol went viral at 2023 World Cup. Loves cooking; would have been a chef if not a cricketer. |
| Challenges | Father Athmanand couldn’t play internationally due to apartheid restrictions. Keshav suffered an Achilles injury in 2023. Faced pressure as a lone spinner in a pace-dominated South African team. |
| Unique Traits | Proud of Indian heritage, deeply religious connection with fans. Calm leadership, versatile as a spinner & lower-order batter. Became emotional after 2025 WTC win. |
| Inspiration | Known for faith, discipline, and humility. Notable for his Test hat-trick and captaincy in T20Is. Relatable to fans through his passion for food and devotion to spirituality. |
Cricket Career
Keshav made his first-class debut at 16 for KwaZulu-Natal in the 2006-07 season. He showed promise as a spinner. In 2009-10, he joined the Dolphins, a top domestic team. In 2010, he toured Bangladesh with South Africa A. He took 13 wickets in two four-day matches against the Bangladesh Cricket Board team. This performance caught attention. In the 2012-13 season, Keshav shone with the bat, scoring 481 runs, including two centuries. He also took wickets regularly, proving his all-round talent.
Keshav played for Cuckfield in the Sussex Premier League in 2013 and Nelson in the Lancashire League in 2015. In 2014-15, he took 6 for 58 and 10 for 145 in a match for Dolphins against Cape Cobras. This earned him the Man of the Match award. By 2016, he was a star in South Africa’s domestic cricket. His accuracy as a spinner made him stand out. He was ready for the international stage.
International Debut And Rise
Keshav debuted in Test cricket for South Africa on November 3, 2016, against Australia in Perth. It was rare for a spinner to debut at Perth, a pace-friendly pitch. He took 3 wickets for 56 runs in the first innings and scored 41 not out. His performance showed his skill and courage. In 2017, he made his ODI debut against England. He also joined South Africa’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. That year, he took his first Test five-wicket haul against New Zealand. It was only the seventh five-for by a South African spinner against New Zealand.
In 2018, Keshav achieved a historic feat. During a Test against Sri Lanka, he took 9 wickets for 129 runs in an innings. This was the best bowling figure by a visiting bowler in Sri Lanka. He became the second left-arm spinner after Rangana Herath to take 9 wickets in a Test innings. His 12 wickets in the match helped South Africa win. Keshav’s ability to bowl long spells with control made him a key player.
Historic Achievements
In June 2021, Keshav made history by taking a Test hat-trick against West Indies. He dismissed Kieron Powell, Jason Holder, and Joshua da Silva in three balls. He was only the second South African to achieve this, 61 years after Geoff Griffin’s hat-trick in 1960. This moment cemented his place in cricket history. In 2021, he was named captain for a T20I series against Sri Lanka, despite not having played a T20I before. He took a wicket with his first ball and led his team to victory.
Keshav played in the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups. In 2023, he was part of South Africa’s Cricket World Cup squad. During the 2023 World Cup, a photo of him with the ‘Om’ symbol on his bat went viral. Fans praised his Hindu faith. He hit a four against Pakistan to win a close match, thumping his chest in celebration. In 2025, Keshav was part of South Africa’s team that won the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia. He got emotional after the historic victory, showing his passion for the game.
Franchise Cricket And Leadership
Keshav has played in many T20 leagues. In 2018, he joined Durban Heat in the Mzansi Super League. He played for Lancashire in 2018 and Yorkshire in 2019, taking 38 wickets in five County Championship matches. In 2024, he played for Fortune Barishal in the Bangladesh Premier League. He made his IPL debut in 2024 with Rajasthan Royals, replacing Prasidh Krishna. Keshav also captains Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 league. His leadership and calm nature make him a great captain.
In 2023, Keshav joined Middlesex for the County Championship but withdrew due to an Achilles injury. Despite setbacks, he remains a vital player. His ability to bowl in any situation and contribute with the bat makes him valuable. He has played 57 Tests, taking 198 wickets, and 48 ODIs with 58 wickets. In T20Is, he has 38 wickets in 39 matches. His Test bowling rank is 17th, and he is 3rd in ODI bowling rankings as of 2025.
Personal Life And Faith
Keshav married Lerisha Munsamy, a Kathak dancer, in April 2022. They met through a friend in 2018 and got engaged after five months. Lerisha’s dance performance impressed Keshav’s mother on her 50th birthday. Keshav kept their relationship private at first. Their wedding celebrated their shared Indian roots. Lerisha’s family also hails from Uttar Pradesh.
Keshav is a proud Hindu. He follows Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram. During matches, stadiums often play ‘Ram Siya Ram’ when he bats or bowls. He requested this to stay focused. In 2024, he visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya before the IPL. Fans loved his devotion. Keshav’s faith gives him strength and connects him to Indian fans. He also enjoys cooking and says he would have been a chef if not a cricketer.
Challenges And Growth
Keshav faced challenges due to apartheid’s impact on his family. His father could not play internationally because of racial discrimination. Keshav grew up after apartheid ended in 1994, but his family’s struggles shaped him. He worked hard to improve his bowling. Switching from pace to spin was a big decision. His father’s coaching and his own dedication helped him succeed.
Injuries, like the Achilles issue in 2023, tested him. He also faced pressure as a spinner in a pace-heavy South African team. Yet, Keshav stayed focused. His emotional reaction after the 2025 World Test Championship win showed his love for cricket. He values teamwork and credits his success to his family and faith.
Why Keshav Inspires
Keshav Maharaj’s story is one of talent and perseverance. From a young boy in Durban to a world-class spinner, he worked hard. His Indian roots and Hindu faith make him special to fans. Achievements like the Test hat-trick and 9-wicket haul show his skill. His leadership in T20Is and SA20 proves his versatility. Off the field, his devotion to Lord Ram and love for cooking make him relatable.
Keshav’s journey teaches that hard work and belief can overcome challenges. His respect for his heritage and calm nature inspire young cricketers. With more matches to play, Keshav Maharaj continues to shine for South Africa and his fans worldwide.