'Just wanted to be clear...': Keshav Maharaj explains how he bounced back after Axar Patel’s two sixes and a four to remove him with the fifth ball of the over

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj revealed that he was clear with his plans when India star all-rounder Axar Patel smashed him for two sixes and a four in the first Test match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Notably, after India's batting collapse, Axar tried to counterattack the Proteas side, smashing Maharaj for consecutive boundaries. Still, the bowler had the final say as he got rid of the Indian star on the fifth ball of the over and later he picked Mohammed Siraj's wicket to confirm South Africa's 30-run win in the first Test to take 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Keshav Maharaj for Temba Bavuma

Maharaj also lauded South Africa captain Temba Bavuma for picking Axar Patel's catch when the batter started attacking the bowlers. The incident happened during the 34th over of India's second innings when Axar went for a slog sweep. Ball's similar to the ones he's hit for sixes. Had to fetch it from slightly outside off. Top edge. Bavuma ran back from midwicket, took it around long-on after an impressive sprint.

ALSO READ: 'We have a whole group of people who are evaluating...': Rajasthan Royals issues clarification on Sanju Samson and Rahul Dravid's exit before IPL 2026

ALSO READ: 'Whether it is the great Tendulkar or Virat...': Harbhajan Singh slams Eden's pitch for India vs South Africa 1st Test

A little bit of nerves [after being hit for two sixes and a four]. I just wanted to be clear with my plans. A brilliant catch by Temba and we got back" said Keshav Maharaj after South Africa's win against India in 1st Test.

Keshav Maharaj lauded Simon Harmer

Maharaj also praised the young spinner Simon Harmer who picked up eight wickets in two innings in his first Test outing against India. Maharaj reckons that Harmer showed more consistency than him.

"He showed his class, he showed why he has 1000 FC wickets. Take nothing away from Marco Jansen as well. Really great desire to get of the line, and we did it. [1-1 in Pakistan] We took a lot of confidence from that series. In India, it is a different, these guys have different skillsets. To tick the box on this tour was phenomenal. There was a ball very much so with you name on it. Simon showed the more consistency than me. Also the faith Temba showed in us, a lot of credit to him. We have not ticked this [India] assignment. We want to go forward and we can be really thrilled with what we have achieved" added Maharaj.

India vs South Africa 1st Test

Coming back to the first Test match, off-spinner Simon Harmer led with a four-wicket haul as South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in the first Test where India were bowled out for 93/9 with skipper Shubman Gill declared unavailable to take part in the remainder of the match with a neck injury, in the chase of 124 to win on the third day of the first Test.

Simon Harmer took 4/21 while Marco Jansen returned 7-3-15-2. Washington Sundar made a valiant 31 off 92 balls, but India’s response was meek on a pitch that favoured bowlers. It was SA's first Test win in India in 15 years.

The second Test match of the series will take place from November 22 to 26 at ACA Stadium in Guwahati.