Keshav Maharaj Ruled Out of Pakistan ODIs Due to Injury

Keshav Maharaj to Miss Remainder of ODI Series Against Pakistan

South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan after scans confirmed a left adductor strain. Maharaj sustained the injury during warm-ups ahead of the first ODI on Tuesday.

In a media release, Cricket South Africa stated that Maharaj would return to Durban for rehabilitation and will be reassessed ahead of the first Test against Pakistan later this month. Bjorn Fortuin has been named as his like-for-like replacement for the remaining two ODIs.

Impact of Maharaj’s Absence
Maharaj’s absence is a significant blow for South Africa, who are already dealing with an extensive list of injured bowlers. The current lineup is missing key players like Anrich Nortje (fractured toe), Gerald Coetzee (groin), Lungi Ngidi (hip), Nandre Burger (lower back), and Wiaan Mulder (broken finger).

Maharaj’s last outing was a standout performance in the second Test against Sri Lanka, where he bowled South Africa to victory with a match-winning 5 for 76.

Options for the Test Series
In Maharaj’s absence, South Africa have several spin-bowling options for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy are the frontrunners, while batting allrounder Neil Brand, legspinner Shaun von Berg, and left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi are also in contention. Shamsi, however, has not played first-class cricket since 2021.

Critical Matches Ahead
The first Test against Pakistan begins in Centurion on December 26. South Africa are currently leading the World Test Championship points table and are just one win away from securing their spot in the final.