Keshav Maharaj Aims for Glory at ICC World Test Championship Final 2025
Keshav Maharaj's Ambition at the ICC World Test Championship Final
New Delhi [India], June 10: Keshav Maharaj is eager to make his mark at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, following in the footsteps of cricketing legends.
South Africa is set to clash with Australia for the prestigious ICC Test Championship mace at Lord's, the same iconic venue where the Proteas last celebrated victory 13 years ago.
That memorable day saw a legendary South African team, featuring Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, and Graeme Smith, triumph over England, securing their position as the world's top team. Maharaj shared that those memories serve as a powerful source of inspiration for his current squad.
“I vividly recall watching them lift the mace. We aim not only to achieve this for ourselves but also to honor the legends of the past. Our hope is to be regarded in the same light and one day win such a prestigious title,” he stated, as reported by the ICC.
Arriving in London with impressive momentum, South Africa boasts seven consecutive Test victories, their last defeat occurring against New Zealand in February 2024.
This winning streak has propelled the Proteas to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings, instilling a strong sense of confidence within the team as they prepare for the showdown against Australia.
“When we embarked on this journey two years ago, many doubted we would reach this point. However, with each series, we have grown stronger. Our mix of youth and experience complements each other well, and we find ourselves vying for another trophy. The team has put in tremendous effort, and as we approach the final, the excitement is palpable. It’s about embracing the moment and playing freely,” Maharaj added.
Maharaj is among several players in the South African squad who have come close to winning ICC titles in recent years.
He was part of the team that finished as runners-up in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and the Proteas also reached the semi-finals of both the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
While these near misses are still fresh in his mind, Maharaj is determined to channel those experiences positively.
“In past tournaments, we were not expected to reach the knockout stages, yet we made it to two semi-finals and two finals. I hope that through those experiences, we can finally succeed this time. We have drawn inspiration from our recent style of play, and if we stay true to it, this could be our chance to lift that elusive trophy,” he remarked.
On a personal note, Maharaj is just two wickets shy of reaching 200 Test wickets. Although he prioritizes team success over individual milestones, the thought of achieving this feat at Lord's is significant for him.
“It would be incredibly special. I don’t focus too much on personal statistics; my goal is to help my team win. However, achieving this milestone in front of my family at Lord's would be remarkable. Every cricketer has a bucket list of venues they aspire to play at, and this is a fantastic opportunity for all of us,” he concluded.