Maharaj Returns To Land Of Forefathers On A Mission

As South Africa prepares for their much-anticipated Test series against India, spinner Keshav Maharaj reflected on the excitement, challenges, and personal significance of touring the cricket-mad country – particularly playing at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens.

Asked whether he expected similar conditions to those in Pakistan, Maharaj believes India will present more balanced wickets, less spin-friendly, than Pakistan.

“I don’t think it will be as spin-friendly as we experienced in Pakistan. I think they will have good wickets that will deteriorate as the game goes on – more of a traditional Test wicket from what we see.”

Reflecting on the team’s limited downtime in Pakistan, Maharaj says the squad hopes for a bit more freedom in India, “We only got here two days ago, so we haven’t really ventured out yet. There’s a lot of media and training in between, but if the guys get an opportunity, they’ll definitely venture out – even if it’s just to a coffee shop in the morning.”

According to Maharaj, coffee has become something of a team tradition.

“Coffee is a big culture in our team. Sometimes it’s just about a change of scenery to get away from the monotony. We chat cricket, we chat fun – bringing that good energy to each other.”

With South Africa’s last series victory in India coming many years ago, Maharaj says the hunger to change that record runs deep.

“There is a real hunger and desire in the camp to beat India in India. It’s the toughest tour in the Proteas calendar through various generations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grade ourselves, to see how far we’ve come, and we really want to tick this assignment.”

He added that partnerships – both with bat and ball – have become a central part of the team’s success, “Whenever someone needs to put their hand up, it’s shared among the group wholeheartedly. That’s encouraging for us.”

The spinner continued, “The guys are focused on doing the basics. Making sure the intensity at which we operate is up regardless of the toss. We want to tick certain boxes. We are carrying some momentum from that second test in Pakistan, where we showed we’re going to fight and try to force the result our way. There is a precision with which we have been doing things.”

Maharaj believes the hosts have evolved in how they use home conditions, “If you watched the West Indies series, it was good wickets that went to day four and five. I do believe the narrative is changing. They’re a wonderful team and I think they want to prepare good cricket wickets, just judging from that series.”

Maharaj stressed the importance of South Africa’s batting unit setting up games for their spinners, “Wickets and runs are crucial elements towards a team’s victory. Our batting lineup has come a long way – hundreds have been shared among the group. In subcontinent conditions, sometimes a 60 is worth 150 elsewhere. Taking that responsibility is something they’ve embraced.”

Captain Temba Bavuma, who featured for South Africa A, has provided valuable input ahead of the series: “He’s given insights – not too much on conditions because it’s not like here in Kolkata – but there are lots of plans you can take to try and combat India.”

For Maharaj, the India tour holds personal meaning. 

“India is always a special place in my heart – it’s the land of my forefathers, so it feels nostalgic returning here. In terms of playing here, it’s always an exciting culture to be a part of. To play at Eden Gardens is probably one of the three bucket-list venues alongside Lord’s and the MCG. The fans are on another level – you have to embrace that. It’s a privilege to be part of something so special. It’s a ground that has so much ethos and history about it. It’s a privilege to be a part of something so special. I’m looking forward to doing it in the land of my forefathers.”

The two-test series between South Africa and India begins on Friday, 14 November at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Play begins at 06h00 South African time.