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EMPATHETIC MAHARAJ WANTS TO GIVE DURBAN SOMETHING TO REJOICE
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
These are the words of legendary civil rights activist Mahatma Gandhi.
It would not come as a surprise if Keshav Maharaj was whispered these words at a very young age for the Durban’s Super Giants captain has shown immense resolve and mental fortitude to overcome major obstacles throughout his career.
From defeating a weight problem early on to recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture in just five months to star at an ICC World Cup.
And also breaking the stereotype that had the left-arm spinner pigeonholed for the red-ball format into the ICC’s No 1 ranked ODI bowler and subsequent much-sought after asset in T20 Leagues all around the world.
It is this “indomitable will” that drives Maharaj’s leadership aspirations too. He openly admits that he may “not be a very flamboyant person” but is extremely “driven and motivated.”
It formed the basis of Maharaj picking up Durban’s Super Giants from missing out on the playoffs in Betway SA20 Season 1 to driving them to a maiden appearance in the grand final in Season 2.
“I have always enjoyed leadership from a very young age. For me, it gives me a different perspective on my own game,” Maharaj told SA20.
“In terms of my approach I would like to believe I am a people’s person. Yes, I can be quite hot-headed at times, but I am also very open-minded to getting advice. Man-management is something I try to pride myself on.
“Everywhere else I go in the world, playing under other captains, I try to emulate good things.
“(Joburg Super King captain) Faf (du Plessis) has always been very close to me. I learnt a lot of leadership qualities from him, especially the empathy factor. I tried to instill it as I saw the value it had on me. I also try to think I read the game situations very well.
Respect: find somebody that looks at you the way Keshav Maharaj and Faf du Plessis look at each other.
“The switch in Season 2 was about a little more clarity from a role definition. Also, the enjoyment factor. I think you saw a different energy and buzz on the field.
“One of our missions was to be really strong at home. The combinations we played in various conditions suited us well. Everyone provided good outputs.”
For Maharaj, leading DSG is an extremely personal journey. It is the fulfilment of years of hard work that had led him to this very juncture.
“Being a Durban boy, the emotion I feel leading DSG out … is hard to put into words. Kingsmead is probably more home to me than my actual home because I spent so much time there in my younger years," he said
“There is a feeling of nostalgia. I remember being there as a 10/11 year old, wanting to wear a Dolphins shirt and then progressing to the Proteas.
“But to be able to captain my home team and walk down that pathway for SA20 in one of the biggest T20 competitions in the world is very special to me.
“I see how the crowd is behind me as a captain and the team. You get welcomed with open arms. People screaming and cheering your name, wanting your autograph after the game.
“That’s what Durban is for me. Feeling that family orientation when you walk onto the field. It’s very special. It’s nostalgic. It is a combination of everything coming together and hopefully that continues for a very long time.
“Maybe one day we can walk down that pathway with the trophy in our hand and give the people of Durban something to rejoice about on a larger scale.”
Maharaj and Durban's Super Giants will open their Betway SA20 Season 3 campaign in front of the Kingsmead faithful on Friday, January 10 against Pretoria Capitals.
