South Africa’s veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj has laid down a bold challenge ahead of the Proteas’ upcoming Test series in India, declaring that his side is driven by a “real hunger and desire” to win on Indian soil. For Maharaj, this tour represents more than just matches — it’s a test of where his team truly stands after years of growing but falling short.
The last time South Africa won a Test in India was way back in 2010, and since then, they have struggled to make headway. Maharaj described the current tour as “probably one of the toughest assignments” in the Proteas’ calendar, given how historically formidable India has been at home. But he also emphasized that this team is different. “As a unit, we feel like it’s one of our biggest tests. Whenever someone needs to put their hand up, it’s shared among the group wholeheartedly,” he said.
Maharaj believes this tour is a chance for South Africa to “grade ourselves, to see how far we’ve come.” He pointed to the Proteas’ recent success across other parts of the subcontinent — improving performances in places like Pakistan have given the squad confidence that they are capable of competing in similar challenging environments. “Slowly but surely, we’ve started to conquer other parts of the subcontinent,” he noted. For him, this tour is not just another series; it’s one assignment the squad genuinely wants to take on.
One of the key strategic shifts Maharaj hopes to exploit is in pitch behavior. While Indian wickets have often favored spin, he does not expect flat, turning tracks this time around. Instead, he anticipates more traditional Test wickets — surfaces that may not be easy from day one, but which will deteriorate as the match progresses. He sees that gradual deterioration as an opportunity for his bowlers to make inroads over the course of five days.
Maharaj also stressed the collective focus of his squad. He spoke of “real precision” in their preparation: the team isn’t just relying on individual brilliance but rather on partnerships — both in bowling and batting — and a disciplined, unit-first mindset.
Underpinning all of this is momentum. South Africa have come into this India tour riding a wave of confidence from their recent performances. Maharaj believes they are carrying that momentum into the series and are ready to fight regardless of conditions or the toss.
If the Proteas can deliver, it could be a turning point. A Test win in India would not only break a long drought but also validate South Africa’s growth over recent years. For Maharaj, and his fellow senior players, this tour is about legacy — proving that they can compete at the highest level even in the most challenging conditions.
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