Is Keshav Maharaj Currently the Most Underrated Player in International Cricket?

Amidst South Africa's recent success in International cricket, one consistent match winner often slips under the radar.

Is Keshav Maharaj Currently the Most Underrated Player in International Cricket?

Keshav Maharaj (Image via NDTV Sports)

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The South African cricket team has tasted some great success in the recent months. They won the World Test Championship in June, ending a long ICC trophy drought. The side followed that up with ODI series wins in Australia and England, reminding their fans of the days when South Africa was the best traveling team in the world.

Amidst this victorious air, there is one consistent player performing day in day out, but maybe not getting the same amount of recognition for his efforts. Keshav Maharaj, the left arm spinner from South Africa, is a constant in all three formats, delivering consistent performances with the ball and also staying solid with the bat if needed.

He was the joint highest wicket taker in the recently concluded England ODI series with 8 scalps in 3 matches. Prior to this, he was also the second highest wicket taker in Australian ODI series with 6 wickets in 3 matches.

Maharaj often slips under the radar and doesn’t get the same hype as many other players on the side when the team does well. Following are a few of the reasons why Keshav Maharaj is the most underrated player in international cricket.

Good Numbers but No Talk

If there isn’t enough chat about a player, it often is because the player still has to reach his/her maximum potential or prove something substantial in the cricketing world. Maharaj, though, has performed consistently and his numbers don’t lie.

Keshav Maharaj celebrating a test wicket.
Keshav Maharaj in Test Cricket (via Deccan Herald)

In 59 Test matches Maharaj has scalped 203 wickets at an average of just 29.83, his best bowling figures being that of 9/129. His ODI numbers suggest that in just 54 matches he has taken 72 wickets at an average of just 29.97. Maharaj has an economy of just 4.68 in the format, making him one of the ideal middle overs bowlers. His immaculate length often keeps sides in check.

Keshav Maharaj bowling in ODI cricket.
Keshav Maharaj (via Wisden)

During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Maharaj had risen to the top of the rankings as a bowler because of his sheer match-winning ability for South Africa. Despite such excellent numbers in international cricket, Maharaj is not talked about as high as one would have expected. He is often the player who is missed by most experts and analysts.

Being Overshadowed by the Fast Bowlers

Countries like Australia, Pakistan and South Africa are often known for the great fast bowlers they have produced over the years. Often the best spinners of these countries have been overshadowed and overlooked as all the attention goes towards the fast bowlers. Maharaj in many ways has been a victim of this love for the fast bowlers from South Africa.

South African test team celebrating a wicket.
South African test team (via Mid Day)

The bowling attack he is part of consists of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, who steam in and hit the pitch hard. There is no doubting that seeing the fast bowlers extract pace in the hostile South African conditions is a joy to watch. However, that has resulted in their spin match winner being often ignored.

Maharaj’s numbers are as good as any of the three mentioned above. In fact, he is right behind Kagiso Rabada in the wickets column and has been a reliable option all these years.

The slow left arm orthodox has proved his value time and again for South Africa and would love to get some recognition in return. Many do place him as a champion bowler, but the number of discussions on him often dwindles, leaving an uneasy void in the talks of South Africa.

Maharaj would next be in action in the T20I series that South Africa will play against England. The Proteas will hope to bag another series in England.

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