Maharaj putting together his bat and ball numbers
● There’s no disputing the fact that Keshav Maharaj is SA’s best Test spinner since readmission in 1991.
The 30-year-old, who is in the ODI squad for the Australia series, has a tougher task trying to be the lead white-ball spinner.
The competition was tough with Imran Tahir as the incumbent. It remains so with Tabraiz Shamsi skilfully holding the fort.
Maharaj isn’t complaining as he has an opportunity. “Shamo is a world-class spinner and he’s proven that in white-ball cricket. I know he’s the first-choice spinner, but here is an opportunity for me to show my skill and what I’m about. I hope I can crack a nod at some stage, but I’m just grateful to be part of the squad and I hope I can make a contribution when I get a chance,” he said.
Dolphins matchwinner
Maharaj’s all-round performances as Dolphins captain has netted him 103 Momentum One-Day Cup runs in three innings from six matches and 13 wickets. They’re top of the table and his contributions have been telling.
In two low-scoring wins against the Knights (43 and 2/19) and the Cape Cobras (50* and 4/24), he led by example.
A conversation with Proteas team director Mark Boucher, spin consultant Paul Harris and performance analyst Prasanna Agoram after SA’s disappointing England Test series gave him the necessary limited-overs direction.
“At the end of the England series I had a personal sit-down with Mark, Paul and Prasanna. I asked them what must I do to get into the white-ball teams. They said I need to put together the bat and ball numbers,” Maharaj said.
“It was never an issue of ability; it was a case of allowing myself to play with flair. As a batter, you need to get your eye in and see the ball before you play. In my case, I did things the other way round and the numbers showed why it didn’t work out,” Maharaj said.
In his past eight Test innings, when Maharaj moved past 30, he converted to 50.. Maharaj said his batting wouldn’t have developed without Agoram.
Help from Prasanna
“Prasanna’s help with a few technical things has been amazing. He’s also worked a lot with me in terms of my mindset when I approach things. I’m really grateful, especially with my batting because not many people would have pulled me aside to work with me. He put his hand up and was willing to work with me,” Maharaj said.
“I take my batting seriously and I get despondent when I get low scores. The main thing is that I’m contributing to the team’s success in any competition.”