Keshav Maharaj‘s journey to the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a story of perseverance, adaptation, and a little bit of fate. The South African spinner, now a mainstay in his national team, recently donned the Rajasthan Royals colours, fulfilling a long-held dream.
Emotional Signing and Eagerness to Learn
Maharaj arrived in Jaipur for the 2024 season as a replacement player. Despite his extensive international experience â over 100 matches and 230+ wickets â the IPL opportunity left him overwhelmed with joy.
“When I got the phone call that Rajasthan wanted me, I actually broke down on the phone,” he confessed. This chance to play in India held a special significance for him, as he considers the country a welcoming second home. His first experience in India, attending a spin bowling camp in Chandigarh back in 2006, left a lasting positive impression.
Beyond the personal connection, Maharaj is eager to learn from his fellow Royals. He highlights his desire to “tap into Sanga’s head” â referring to Rajasthan Royals Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara â to gain insights from a batting perspective. He also expressed his interest in picking the brains of spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, observing their techniques and thought processes. “I always believe as a cricketer you never stop learning,” he declared.
From Frustrated Pacer to Spin Mastery
Maharaj’s journey as a cricketer itself is a testament to his adaptability. Surprisingly, he began his cricketing career as a fast bowler. A twist of fate, however, led him to discover his hidden talent for spin. “Actually, it’s a funny story,” he recounted. “I got upset at training one day when the coach decided that I should bowl spin. I was a fast bowler before that, but I still tried spin and it worked! I have never looked back since that day.”
Maharaj’s positive attitude and team spirit have already endeared him to his teammates. He feels a strong sense of belonging within the Rajasthan Royals, describing the environment as a “family.” He acknowledges the Royals’ focus on both developing young talent and nurturing experienced players, creating a well-rounded team dynamic.
Family Man and Off-Field Passions
On a personal note, Maharaj is about to embark on another exciting journey â fatherhood. A mix of excitement and nervousness fills him as he prepares for this new role. He prioritizes being a supportive and caring father, acknowledging the challenges of being away from home during the IPL season.
When not strategizing on the field, Maharaj enjoys unwinding by cooking. He has developed a fondness for Indian cuisine, experimenting with dishes like butter paneer and aloo tikki chaat. Additionally, he harbours an adventurous streak, indulging in activities like fast cars and bungee jumping.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
