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Key Points

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has lavished praise on teammate Keshav Maharaj's extraordinary work ethic and dedication to cricket. Maharaj is just two wickets away from reaching the prestigious 200-wicket milestone in Test cricket, a testament to his consistent performance. Teammates like Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs have echoed Ngidi's sentiments, describing Maharaj as the most professional cricketer in the squad. His relentless preparation and passion for spin bowling have been key to his success, making him a crucial player for South Africa in the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia.

Key Points: Ngidi Praises Keshav Maharaj's Unmatched Cricket Work Ethic

  • Maharaj nearing 200 Test wickets milestone
  • Considered one of world's top spinners
  • Consistently first to prepare for matches
  • Respected by teammates for professionalism
3 min read

I don't think anyone can match Maharaj's work ethics: Ngidi

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi highlights Keshav Maharaj's exceptional preparation and dedication ahead of World Test Championship final

"Just the work ethic that he has, I don't think anyone can match it - Lungi Ngidi"

London, June 10

South Africa fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has lauded his teammate Keshav Maharaj's work ethic and was willing to "put the house" on left-arm spinner being the first cricketer to arrive at Lord’s and commence his preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, starting on Wednesday.

Maharaj, who is a key figure for South Africa ahead of their 'Ultimate Test' showdown with Australia in London, is just two Test wickets short of reaching the acclaimed 200-wicket club.

"Just the work ethic that he has, I don’t think anyone can match it. I can probably put my house on it (that) he’ll be the first cricketer out there on Wednesday. He will be on the early bus with management; while they’re setting up, he’s bowling.

"By the time we arrive, he’s probably bowled 10-15 overs already, and the game hasn’t even started. That’s the type of person Keshav is. I’m not surprised that he’s about to reach this milestone and I know there’s plenty more to come for him," Ngidi exclusively told ICC Digital.

Since debuting in November 2016, coincidentally against the Aussies, Maharaj has been a regular fixture in the Proteas XI. Since then, he has proved himself to be a team player, filling the much-needed spin void in the South Africa setup while also becoming a part of the team's think tank.

“His planning’s incredible, so I think it’s no surprise that he’s South Africa’s best Test spinner and probably, at the moment, up there in the top two or three best in the world. So (him) getting to 200 wickets will be incredible and no surprises that he’s achieved so much in his career, just based on how much work and preparation he puts into his cricket," wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne said.

Maharaj has also played a big role in South Africa's journey to the final, with 40 wickets from eight games in this WTC cycle.

This has inspired other squad members like Tristan Stubbs, who called the spinner "the most professional cricketer". "Always in the gym, always working on his game, trying to get better. Bowls the most balls and he’s just really good at his craft and our best professional," he added.

Batter David Bedingham further credited Maharaj's cricket IQ in addition to the work ethic that sets him apart.

“Everyone in the team knows that whenever there’s a day off, Kesh will want to bowl. He just loves the art of spin bowling, he thinks about the game 24/7. With him wanting it that much, with him working that hard, that all adds to him taking these wickets. I genuinely think he gets better with age as well," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Maharaj is truly an inspiration! His dedication reminds me of our own Ashwin - always first at the ground, last to leave. South Africa is lucky to have such a disciplined spinner. Hope he gets his 200 wickets in the final! 🇮🇳🤝🇿🇦 #Respect
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Priya M.
While I admire Maharaj's work ethic, I wish our Indian media gave similar attention to domestic players who show this level of commitment. We have so many unsung heroes in Ranji Trophy who deserve this spotlight too.
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Arjun S.
This is why Test cricket remains the ultimate format! Players like Maharaj show what real dedication means. No T20 glamour, just pure hard work. Hope our youngsters watching IPL learn from such examples.
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Neha P.
As a cricket coach in Mumbai, I always show my students examples like Maharaj. Talent gets you noticed, but only this kind of work ethic makes you a champion. Hope he has a great match against Australia!
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see how SA values their spinners while we often focus only on pacers. Maharaj's success proves spinners win matches too. Maybe we should give more chances to our domestic spinners instead of always looking for fast bowlers.
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Sanjay R.
Maharaj's story is proof that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. But I wonder - with so much focus on T20 these days, will we see fewer players with this kind of dedication in future? Hope not!

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