Keshav Maharaj, South Africa’s premier spinner, is preparing to take on India in a two-match Test series that begins at Eden Gardens on Friday. Known for his left-arm spin and tactical acumen, Maharaj returns to India determined to make a mark on a tour that he describes as “probably the toughest” on the Proteas calendar. South Africa have historically struggled in India, with their last Test win coming in Nagpur in 2010 and only one series victory on Indian soil in 2000. Maharaj, however, believes this generation has the skill and hunger to rewrite history.
South Africa have improved their subcontinent record in recent years, with wins and shared series in Pakistan and Bangladesh, showing adaptability to spin-friendly conditions. Maharaj will lead the spin attack alongside Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, with all three having delivered impressive performances in South Africa’s recent Test series in Pakistan. Maharaj himself was named Player of the Match, taking nine wickets across the two Tests, proving his pivotal role in the squad.
Series Overview
- Series: South Africa Tour of India 2025
- Matches: 2 Test Matches
- Venues: Eden Gardens, Kolkata; Guwahati Stadium
- South Africa Captain: Temba Bavuma
- India Captain: Shubman Gill
- Key Player (South Africa): Keshav Maharaj
- South Africa Spin Partners: Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy
- India Key Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah
- Start Date: November 14, 2025
- End Date: November 26, 2025
South African players are aware of the challenges ahead, particularly the traditionally spin-favoring wickets in India. However, Maharaj believes that the pitches this series will be more conventional and deteriorate gradually over five days, offering opportunities for both seamers and spinners. He cited the recent India-West Indies series as a reference, where spinners claimed 35 of the wickets, but pacers were also influential.
“India is a wonderful team, and they have transitioned well with their new generation. But the wickets this time will be more traditional, deteriorating as the game goes on,” Maharaj said. He emphasized that South Africa’s current lineup has the depth and discipline to adapt to these conditions, with partnerships and team cohesion being critical factors for success.
Maharaj also highlighted the excitement of playing at iconic venues like Eden Gardens, which he ranks among his “bucket-list” stadiums alongside Lord’s and the MCG. The atmosphere, fan engagement, and history of the ground make it a special experience for any cricketer.
South Africa’s Current Form and Squad
South Africa enters this series on the back of strong performances in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. After winning the inaugural WTC Final against Australia at Lord’s, they split a pair of Tests in Pakistan last month, showcasing their ability to compete effectively in subcontinental conditions. Players like Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne have all demonstrated their ability to contribute crucial runs. Maharaj, with his spin expertise, will be central to containing India’s batting lineup.
The South African squad for the India tour includes:
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Corbin Bosch
- Dewald Brevis
- Tony de Zorzi
- Zubayr Hamza
- Simon Harmer
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne
India will counter with a strong squad featuring Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, making the series a true test of skill for Maharaj and his teammates.
Keshav Maharaj’s Role and Expectations
Keshav Maharaj is expected to lead the Proteas’ spin attack and influence the outcome of both matches. His experience and tactical awareness make him crucial in exploiting any assistance from the pitches. Maharaj also stressed the importance of shared responsibility within the team, with both bowlers and batters needing to perform under pressure to achieve a rare series win in India.
He added that South Africa’s batters have evolved to handle subcontinental conditions better than previous generations. The team now has multiple players capable of scoring significant innings in Asia, and Maharaj believes that taking responsibility, even with smaller contributions, can be decisive in high-pressure situations.
Looking Ahead
As South Africa face one of their toughest challenges in India, Keshav Maharaj’s leadership and performance will be key determinants of success. The series not only tests the skills of individual players but also assesses how well the team functions collectively under demanding conditions. With a mix of youth and experience, the Proteas are optimistic that they can break a long-standing drought in India.
FAQs
Who is Keshav Maharaj?
Keshav Maharaj is South Africa’s first-choice left-arm spinner and a key player in both batting and bowling partnerships during Test matches.
Why is this tour of India considered tough for South Africa?
India presents challenging spin-friendly pitches, passionate crowds, and historically strong home performances, making victories difficult for visiting teams.
When and where will the Tests be played?
The series begins on November 14, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with the second Test from November 22 at Guwahati Stadium.
Who are South Africa’s key spinners?
Alongside Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy are expected to play major roles in the spin attack.
What are South Africa’s chances of winning in India?
With improved subcontinental performances in Pakistan and Bangladesh, South Africa are hopeful, but India remains a strong favorite, making the series a real test for Maharaj and his team.