Indian-origin South African cricketer Keshav Maharaj has been in the news of late not just for his skills but the devotional music being played when he comes in to bat. India's ODI skipper KL Rahul even heard saying on the stump mic 'everytime you enter, they play that song' during the recent limited-overs series. Later, in the Test series, Virat Kohli was seen folding his hands at the slip cordon. Ahead of the SA20 league, Maharaj has revealed that he requests the DJ to play the devotional song because it helps him get in the zone.
"It was obviously something I put forward to the media lady and requested that song to be played," Dubran Super Giants skipper Maharaj told PTI.
Maharaj also said that Lord Ram is his greatest strength.
"For me, God's been my greatest blessing and if I get an opportunity it's the least I can do and it gets you in the zone and get that respect from other players. Respecting religion and culture is important but it's a nice feeling to hear 'Ram Siya Ram' being played in the background," the 33-year-old said.
In the recently-concluded Test series, Maharaj was included in the playing for the Cape Town Test. On a pitch that favoured the pacers due to extraordinary bounce, Maharaj did not get a single over from stand-in skipper Dean Elgar.
Maharaj has most Test wickets for South Africa as a spinner since their readmission but he does not get the recognition.
"Unfortunately, you live in a world where fast bowlers are highlighted and we have had some amazing greats to have played the game and I am here to do my job and whether I am celebrated or not doesn't really make a difference to me," he said.
"I want to contribute in a positive way for the team and if the team goes in right way, then I have done my job."
Maharaj will not be a part of the two-Test series against New Zealand. He will be seen in action as Durban Super Giants take on MI Cape Town at their homeground on January 11.
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