Keshav Maharaj determined to work his way into Shukri Conrad's Proteas T20 World Cup plans

KESHAV Maharaj may have watched the series-deciding T20I against Australia from a nearby restaurant, but he is not giving up hope of forcing his way into the Proteas squad for next year’s T20 World Cup on the subcontinent. 

After being one of the first names on former white-ball coach Rob Walter’s team sheets across formats, the current SA Cricketer of the Year has been overlooked for the T20I’s since Shukri Conrad has taken over the ship.

Conrad has opted for left-arm spinners that can offer more with the bat such as George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy, while also taking a closer look at young leg-spinner Nqaba Peter for the Tri-Series in Zimbabwe and the recently concluded Australian series. 

Neither of the trio have performed spectacularly as yet with ball or bat, especially Muthusamy, who went wicketless and conceded 34 runs in his three overs at an economy of 11.33 in Cairns on Saturday evening. 

“Yeah, I'm available,” Maharaj, who is part of the touring party for the ODI series, said after being asked about his T20 non-selection. 

“I think Shuks wants to try something. He hasn't closed the door, so I'm hoping that I will get an opportunity to show him what I can do, but I think he's obviously got a plan, so hopefully I can filter into those plans at some stage, and if not, I've got to back the coach's call at the end of the day.”

Maharaj performed splendidly at the last T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean, where he finished as the Proteas’ third-best wicket-taker with 11 scalps at an average of 15.90. 

He also feels that his body is still in prime shape at 35-years-old, and has no intention of retiring from any of the three formats any time soon. 

“I'm working really hard in the gym, putting myself through the paces and enjoying the little conditioning blocks that we're getting in between series and during the off-season.

So, I'd like to think I'm OK for now,” Maharaj said. 

“It's a wonderful opportunity. I think it's always nice playing three formats of the game because it also tests how you adapt. 

And I think in World Cup events, when you're faced with different conditions, it sort of negates the inability to adapt at times.

“So in terms of retiring … Not at all. Not yet.  Obviously, like I said, the T20 World Cup in 2026 is a huge one for me. I haven't thought that far ahead for now. 

“I'm happy to play three formats. I still love bowling, and until that passion falls away, then I'll probably consider something like that. 

“But for now, I want to play all three formats for my country and be a match winner.”

Full Proteas Squad for ODI series

Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen.

Fixtures: 

First ODI

Tuesday, August 19: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns

Second ODI

Friday, August 22: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

Third ODI 

Sunday, August 24: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

*All matches start at 6:30am (SA time)