South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the remaining ODIs against Pakistan due to a left adductor strain. The injury occurred during warm-ups ahead of the first ODI on Tuesday, with scans confirming the strain. In his place, South Africa has named Bjorn Fortuin as a like-for-like replacement for the second and third ODIs.
Maharaj limped off just before the toss for the opening match and Andile Phehlukwayo replaced him last minute in the playing XI. The South African Cricket Board confirmed that Maharaj will return home to Durban for rehabilitation and undergo reassessment before the first Test against Pakistan.
This injury adds to South Africa’s growing list of unavailable bowlers. Anrich Nortje (fractured toe), Gerald Coetzee (groin), Lungi Ngidi (hip), Nandre Burger (lower back), and Wiaan Mulder (broken finger) are all sidelined. Maharaj’s absence is particularly concerning, as he recently helped South Africa secure a final-day win against Sri Lanka, taking 5 for 76 in the second Test.
With Maharaj out, South Africa has options like Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy to choose from for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. Neil Brand, Shaun von Berg, and Tabraiz Shamsi, who hasn’t played first-class cricket since 2021, are also potential options. The first Test of the two-match series starts on December 26 in Centurion, where South Africa is looking to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, currently sitting at No. 1 in the points table.
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