SA star could see World Cup hopes dashed

Maharaj ruptured his Achilles in bizarre circumstances during last week’s Test victory over the West Indies at the Wanderers, falling to the floor as he began celebrating a wicket.

It’s since been confirmed that after consulting a surgeon on Monday, he will undergo surgical repair on Friday, and is set for a lengthy layoff, which could be anything between six and nine months.

The ODI World Cup will begin in October this year, meaning there is real doubt whether Maharaj would be available.

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Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said it was certainly tough to see what the experienced spinner and important Proteas leader endured after rupturing his Achilles.

“It was tough for us emotionally, but Kesh is a strong character and will bounce back better than what the surgery diagnosis will be. When it happened on the field, I was probably the closest person to Keshav and I honestly don’t know what happened.

“I saw him try to celebrate and he fell, but I didn’t think too much of it to be honest, but when one of the players tried to hold his foot, it was the way that it was. I stepped away because I don’t like to be close to those kinds of things, but it’s a bit of a tough one with Kesh, to be fair.

“We’re not sure when he will be back, but I think he also understands that life goes on and the decision-makers within the team will know whom they’ll need to consider,” Bavuma added. “Kesh would have been a big player for us going into the 50-over World Cup, but that opens up an opportunity for someone else.

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KESHAV MAHARAJ OUT FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS

The 33-year-old’s extended lay-off has also effectively ended his hopes of a stint at Lord’s.

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Middlesex director of cricket, Alan Coleman, commented: “We are naturally extremely disappointed that Keshav will not be joining Middlesex this year after sustaining this freak injury and we are saddened to hear that he will face a significant absence from playing.

“It goes without saying that everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery. For us to lose Kesh so close to the start of the new season is a blow, however he wasn’t scheduled to begin playing for us until late April, which buys us a little time to put Plan B into action.

“We will of course keep everyone updated on the situation regarding a replacement overseas player for the coming season.”

You can see how the incident occurred below:

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Keshav Maharaj during the CSA 4-Day 2020/21 match between the Lions and Dolphins at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on 9 March 2021. Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix