Proteas Keshav Maharaj, who is currently part of the Champions Trophy squad for South Africa, posted on his Instagram wishing everyone on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. Maharaj, who is currently the Vice-Captain for the South African team in the White ball format, has deep Indian origins. He is also the captain of the Durban Super Giants in SA20. He wrote on his Instagram story, “A Blessed Shivratri to all. Har Har Mahadev”

Maharaj’s Indian Roots

Keshav Athmanand Maharaj is of Indian ancestry and was born to a Hindu family in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. His great-grandfather hailed from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, and was migrated to South Africa as an Indentured laborer. He also married his long time girlfriend Lerisha Munsamy in April 2022 who is a Kathak dancer. His father has also been featured as a wicketkeeper batter for the KwaZulu-Natal. He is also blessed with a daughter whom he named Milan Anjali.

South Africa in Champions Trophy 2025

South Africa has already qualified for the World Test Championship finals against Australia which is scheduled for Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – Sunday, 15 June 2025 at the iconic Lord’s. In the Champions Trophy 2025 edition, South Africa tops the Group B with 3 points. It won the first match against Afghanistan by a marginal 107 runs which allowed them to score a point with an improved net run rate. The other group stage match was against Australia which ended up with being called off due to rain. South Africa will play its last group stage match against England on 1 March.

South Africa squad

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka