Keshav Maharaj credits Lord Hanuman for WTC triumph against Australia
Keshav Maharaj credits his faith in Lord Hanuman for inspiring South Africa’s WTC 2025 Final victory over Australia.
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Keshav Maharaj, who was born on 7 February 1990 in Durban, South Africa, is an Indian-origin left-arm orthodox spinner with ancestral ties to Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. One of the most consistent bowlers in South African cricket, he was the supporting pillar of the team that won the 2025 WTC Final, removing Alex Carey and delivering a tight spell in the second innings to support Kagiso Rabada's 9-wicket haul in their record 5-wicket victory over Australia.
South Africa started Day 4 on 213/2, requiring 69 runs to chase the 282-run target. They chased it down successfully in 83.4 overs despite a late fright off Mitchell Starc's 3/66. Aiden Markram's unbeaten 136 (caught by Travis Head off Josh Hazlewood) was the cornerstone of the innings, while David Bedingham (21) and Kyle Verreynne (4)* finished the chase. The win was South Africa's first WTC title and their first ICC trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
"In Hanuman I Trust": Maharaj's Faith and Spiritual Strength
Following the victory, Maharaj attributed Lord Hanuman's favor to his team's success, an indication of his strong spiritual faith. According to his post-match remarks, he attributed his trust in Hanuman for strength, a theme that has characterized his cricketing career. The Times of India reported this.
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Devotion to Hinduism: A Constant Presence in His Career
Maharaj has consistently expressed his Hindu faith on and off the field. Following South Africa’s 2023 World Cup win over Pakistan, he posted “Jai Shree Hanuman” on social media. In 2024, he declared, “I am a devotee of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram,” in reference to his entrance song ‘Ram Siya Ram’, which gained popularity among fans.
His bat, emblazoned with the ‘Om’ symbol, went viral during the 2023 World Cup, symbolizing the spiritual strength he draws from his beliefs. From spinning out top batters to inspiring fans with his unwavering faith, Keshav Maharaj stands not just as a cricketer but as a symbol of dedication—both to his craft and to his spiritual roots.
'Om' 🕉 symbol seen on the bat of South African player Keshav Maharaj, Picture goes viral on SM pic.twitter.com/FGxNMF62xK
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 18, 2023
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