Keshav Maharaj focused on ODI, Test cricket as retirement is not far

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Keshav Maharaj, the winner of the 2025 Cricket South Africa Player of the Year Award. Source: Cricket South Africa

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj might only be playing two formats now, ODI and Test cricket; however, he still has ambitions to play until he turns 40.

Following the victory in the World Test Championship final at Lord's, Maharaj toured Zimbabwe for two Tests and did not take part in the T20 Tri-Nations series, not only because of his injury but also because he has moved on from the shortest format of the game.

As a result, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy and Nqaba Peter are the leading pack of spinners in the Proteas T20I squad.

After winning the prestigious Cricket South Africa Player of the Year Award on Thursday evening, the 35-year-old told the media that he still has ambitions to play until 40, especially with the ODI World Cup here at home in two years.

"Look, I'm only playing two formats now. I always said I'd like to get to 40 in international cricket. But it just depends on how the body goes and how I wake up the next day. If I ever lose the passion to bowl, I have to walk away and be honoured by the game," said Maharaj.

"But from a team perspective, obviously having a taste of success, hopefully it unlocks many doors. But I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the team to sort of look back on the things that we did well. But also try and find ways in which we can evolve.

"Because obviously people know the brand and style we're going to play and want to catch us. So, hopefully we can be the leaders in the pack and really set the foundation when we do start the season for the next cycle."

The spinner received the Player of the Year Award on the back of an impressive World Test Championship cycle where he led from the front on and off the field.

His performances played a pivotal role in South Africa winning the Test mace and bringing it home, a feat that evoked emotions out of Maharaj at Lord's.

Reflecting back on the emotions, Maharaj explained that the hardships they have faced as a team over the past ten years brought out the emotions in him.

"I've been involved in the system for almost 10 years now. I've gone through some of the hardships and seen all sorts of disappointments that have come along the way. But the hard work to persevere through many a storm and to be able to eventually win it is always special," he said.

"I think everyone wants to win a trophy. But just to see how the team's gelled. With this team, no one would have ever said we would have won. But to finish as tabletoppers and come and play the way we did in the manner in which we did. And to chase down a target of that magnitude in the final at Lord's is always going to be special."