With the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 A few days before the Mega Auction to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, franchises will be looking for fresh talent and experienced players to strengthen their squads. South African left arm spinner Keshav Maharajone of the prominent overseas signees could be a valuable option for teams looking to upgrade their spin department.
Why Keshav Maharaj can be the main choice
Maharaj’s experience and consistent T20 performances make him an attractive option for any IPL side in need of a reliable and economical bowler. Maharaj comes with a base price of INR 75 lakh, reflecting his established value in the T20 format. His ability to maintain a tight economy and claim wickets at crucial stages makes him an ideal candidate for spin-friendly conditions, especially in the IPL. Known for his control and ability to smother runs, Maharaj can add depth to any team’s bowling line-up, providing flexibility and consistency – two essential attributes in high-pressure T20 contests.
Previous IPL experience and T20I impact for South Africa
In IPL 2024, Maharaj joined Rajasthan Royals (RR) as a substitute for Prasidh Krishnaand although he only played two matches, his impact was significant. He took two wickets at an average of 19.50 and maintained an impressive economy of 6.50, highlighting his efficiency even with limited opportunities. His international record also speaks volumes: Maharaj has taken 38 wickets in 38 T20I matches, with a strong average of 24.73 and an economy rate of 7.18. These numbers highlight his ability to remain economical while also being a much sought-after combination in the IPL.
Also READ: Dale Steyn predicts the exact IPL 2025 auction price for Marco Jansen
IPL 2025: 3 teams to target Maharaj in mega auction
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have traditionally favored experienced spinners and Maharaj could be a valuable addition to their squad. With the Chepauk pitch known to aid spin, Maharaj’s left-arm range complements CSK’s existing spin attack, providing economical and wicket-keeping options. CSK also values consistent, consistent performers and Maharaj’s impressive economy rate fits their strategy. His experience of containing runs during crucial middle overs can ease the pressure on other bowlers. Moreover, with Ravindra Jadeja‘s all-rounder commitments, Maharaj’s inclusion could provide additional depth in the spin department. CSK’s focus on depth of quality spin resources makes Maharaj a suitable target.
2. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Representing Rajasthan in 2024, Maharaj is familiar with the team environment and management and his potential return makes for a seamless transition. Rajasthan’s reliance on a strong spin attack has become more prominent, especially for matches in spin-friendly conditions. Maharaj’s economical bowling adds control over the middle overs, aims to improve the RR field. His presence also helps maintain a balance between spin and pace, adding strategic depth to Rajasthan’s attack. RR will benefit from his experience in high-pressure situations, making him a likely target.
3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) initially approached Maharaja as a net bowler in 2024, indicating their interest in his skills. His experience and success at the international level make him an attractive option to add a reliable rotation option for LSG. Lucknow’s pitch has shown a tendency to favor the spinners and Maharaj’s ability to maintain a low economy rate is valuable in such conditions. His controlled spin offers versatility allowing LSG to rotate between pace and spin as needed. Furthermore, with LSG focusing on assembling an all-round bowling line-up, Maharaj provides a range of left-arm spin that bolsters their attack. Given his familiarity with the LSG environment, he was able to fit perfectly into the team’s dynamics.
