Who Is Keshav Maharaj? South African Cricketer Of Indian Origin

South African cricketer Keshav Maharaj is trending on social media sites after the Proteas defeated Pakistan in a tense match played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

South Africa chased 271 for 9 in 47.2 overs with Aiden Markram top-scoring with a 93-ball 91. However, Maharaj became the hero as he played the winning shot, securing a thrilling victory for the team.

Who Is Keshav Maharaj?
Not many do not know that Keshav Maharaj is a cricketer of Indian origin. His ancestors were from Uttar Pradesh who arrived in South Africa in 1874.

In an interview with Mumbai Mirror in 2018, Keshav's father Athmanand Maharaj, who was also a professional cricketer, said, "On September 1, 1874 my great great grandfather arrived in Durban from Sultanpure in UP. That was the time when the Indian people used to come across to South Africa in search of work. The opportunities that were presented here were many. South Africa was looking for skilled labourers and the Indians, with their experience in farming and other sectors, contributed to the South African development.

He mentioned that they were the fifth or sixth generation Indians and one of his possessions was the certificate of origin. He explained that when he had gone to India to study, he had needed that certificate to trace back his origins and family history. He added that his stay in India, particularly in Mysore, had not been very happy, so he had returned. He then mentioned that he had pursued physical education and had been teaching in schools.

"The Maharaj surname was carried over from my forefathers. The title is not something we chose. It came through the hierarchy and generations. I know the significance of the name in India," Athmanand goes on and on... He lives in Durban with wife Kanchan Mala, son Keshav. Daughter Tarisma is married to Mahesin, a Sri Lankan."