Keshav Maharaj is one of South Africa’s most trusted spin bowlers and respected leaders. He is known for his sharp left-arm spin, cool mind, and humble personality. He is also one of the few South African cricketers who proudly shows his Indian roots. This is Keshav’s full story — how he grew up, his family’s role, how he became South Africa’s spin wizard, his marriage, controversies, and his dream to keep inspiring young kids.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keshav Athmanand Maharaj |
| Date of Birth | 7 February 1990 |
| Birthplace | Durban, South Africa |
| Age (as of 2025) | 35 Years |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Role | Left-arm orthodox spinner, lower-order batter |
| Test Debut | Nov 2016 vs Australia |
| ODI Debut | May 2017 vs England |
| T20I Debut | Sep 2019 vs India |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Lara Maharaj |
| Children | None yet |
| Known For | Calm leadership, smart spin, proud Indian roots |
| Favourite Food | Biryani, curries, jalebi |
| Charity | Runs cricket camps for underprivileged kids |
Early Life: A Boy with Big Dreams from Durban
Keshav Athmanand Maharaj was born on 7 February 1990 in Durban, South Africa. Durban has a large Indian community. Keshav’s great-grandparents came from India many years ago. His family kept their Indian traditions alive. They did prayers, celebrated Diwali, and taught him to respect elders.
His father, Athmanand Maharaj, played cricket for Natal B team. He inspired young Keshav to pick up a ball when he was just 2 years old! His mother, Kanchan Mala, stayed home and supported his dreams. Keshav’s family always pushed him to stay disciplined and never forget his roots.
School and Early Cricket: Learning Discipline Early
Keshav went to Northwood Boys High School in Durban. He balanced studies and cricket. He was not the strongest boy in his class but he was one of the most focused. When other kids played video games, Keshav practiced his spin bowling.
At age 16, he made his debut for KwaZulu-Natal in domestic cricket. Many coaches said he had a special spin bowling talent. He could turn the ball both ways and read the batter’s mind. His calm nature made him stand out even more.
Physical Stats: Small but Strong
Keshav is not very tall compared to some other cricketers, but he is strong and agile. His fitness is one reason why he bowls long spells in Test matches without losing focus.
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (about 178 cm)
- Weight: Around 70 kg
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Dark Brown
- Body Type: Lean & Athletic
Family: His Pillar of Strength
Keshav’s family is very close to him. His father Athmanand and mother Kanchan always support him. He often shares how his father wakes up early to pray for him when he is playing overseas. Keshav’s family follows Hindu traditions. He says his faith gives him peace and strength.
His grandparents taught him to never forget where he came from. Keshav speaks proudly about his Indian roots and once said, “I am a South African cricketer with an Indian heart.”
Marriage & Love Life: Who is Keshav Maharaj’s Wife?
People often ask if Keshav has a girlfriend. The answer is — he is not single! Keshav is happily married to Lara Maharaj. Lara is a beautiful and supportive woman who stays out of the limelight. They got engaged in 2019 and married in a traditional Hindu wedding in Durban in April 2022. Photos of their wedding showed Keshav in a cream sherwani and Lara in a red saree, following full Indian customs.
They have no kids yet but they are very close to their nieces and nephews. Keshav often says that Lara’s support keeps him calm during tough tours.
Domestic Career: Foundation of a Great Spinner
Before playing for South Africa, Keshav worked very hard in domestic cricket. He played for Dolphins and KwaZulu-Natal Coastal. He learned to bowl long spells and became a reliable spin bowler. In 2010, he even spent time in England playing county cricket, where he learned new tricks to bowl in different conditions.
His domestic record speaks for itself. He was always in the top wicket-takers. His performance in the 2015-16 domestic season was so good that selectors could not ignore him anymore!
International Career: The Spinner South Africa Needed
Test Debut: A Dream Come True
Keshav made his Test debut in November 2016 against Australia at the WACA. Many experts were surprised when South Africa picked a spinner for fast bouncy Australian pitches. But Keshav proved them wrong by taking wickets and keeping the run rate low. He became the first specialist spinner from South Africa to play in Australia in 50 years!
Since then, Keshav has been a regular in Tests. He has taken big hauls against teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Australia. His best figures came against Bangladesh when he took 9 wickets for just 129 runs in 2017.
ODI & T20I: Finding His Place
In 2017, Keshav made his ODI debut against England. Later, he played his first T20 International in 2019 against India. Though he doesn’t play every ODI or T20, captains often pick him when they need control in spin-friendly conditions.
In white-ball cricket, Keshav also adds handy runs as a lower-order batter. He has a calm head and can even hit sixes when needed.
Captaincy: A Natural Leader
People say Keshav is a born leader. In 2021, he became South Africa’s stand-in captain in T20s and ODIs. He led the team with calmness and respect. Many youngsters say they feel safe under him because he never shouts and always encourages them.
He even captained South Africa in the 2021 T20 World Cup when Temba Bavuma was injured. His leadership was praised because he kept the team positive.
Records and Special Achievements
- First South African spinner to take a Test hat-trick in 2021 against West Indies.
- Second fastest South African spinner to reach 100 Test wickets.
- Best Test figures: 9/129 vs Bangladesh.
- Reliable lower-order batter with multiple Test fifties.
- Captained South Africa in all three formats as a stand-in.
- Played key role in winning the 2024 Test series against India at home.
Small Controversies: Staying Away from Drama
Keshav stays away from big controversies. He once got angry on the field during an argument with Bangladesh players in 2022 but later calmed down and shook hands. Another time, people debated his place in the white-ball team. But Keshav silenced critics with his tight bowling and humble attitude.
He says, “I believe in actions, not arguments.”
Life Outside Cricket: Proud of His Roots
When he is not playing, Keshav loves spending time with Lara and his family. He goes to the temple, does yoga, and sometimes cooks Indian food. He loves Indian curries, biryani, and jalebi!
Keshav is also involved in charity. He donates to kids’ cricket camps in Durban and wants to start a foundation to help underprivileged children learn sports.
Career Stats (As of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Runs | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 52 | 169 | 9/129 | 870 | 5 |
| ODI | 33 | 40 | 4/23 | 220 | 0 |
| T20I | 25 | 25 | 2/21 | 90 | 0 |
