Keshav Maharaj accidentally leaks South Africa's Playing 11 for WTC Final

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj is looking forward to taking on Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final.

Maharaj made his International debut against Australia in Australia, and now, after 57 Test matches, Maharaj will be returning to face the same competitive Australian team.

Maharaj is the front-line spinner for the South Africa team, and with his services in all formats for the team, he has also become a part of the think tank.

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Keshav Maharaj charges for the WTC 2025 final

The South African spinner will be making his return to competitive cricket after a prolonged break, but Maharaj was focusing on the Australian challenge during his break, also. Maharaj has played a vital role in South Africa’s journey to the WTC 2025 final as he picked up 40 wickets in eight matches in the WTC 2025 cycle.

Keshav opened up about that; he was eager to get back with the Proteas side and was working hard on his bowling and fitness during the break. Maharaj also stated that no one needs motivation to play a final against Aussies.

“Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus,” Keshav Maharaj stated.

“I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don’t need any motivation to play a final against Australia.” Maharaj added.

Maharaj was on the team when Australia knocked out South Africa in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Proteas will be eyeing to avenge their loss in the WTC 2025 final.

Keshav Maharaj wants to break the trophy drought

Keshav Maharaj’s focus is on winning a senior men’s trophy for South Africa since 1998. The Proteas haven’t won a single senior men’s trophy since 1998, but they lost many knockout games in the period.

“I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don’t really matter, as long as the team is winning,” Maharaj states.

The spinner knows the importance of a one-off Test match, and their key focus will be to execute their plans perfectly. Maharaj also highlighted the record of the Proteas in the Lord’s ground as they won three matches and lost four matches at the Lord’s, which is a great record for any team.

Keshav Maharaj’s record in Test cricket

The left-arm spinner is just two wickets away from 200 Test wickets as Maharaj has scalped 198 wickets in 57 Test matches at an average of 29.7. Maharaj picked up 22 wickets against Australia at an average of 45 in the red-ball format.

Keshav will have a huge role in the third or fourth innings in the WTC 2025 final against Australia an eye to lifting their maiden WTC title.