Keshav Maharaj Ruled Out of ODI Series Against Pakistan; Bjorn Fortuin Called Up as Replacement
South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan due to a left adductor strain. Maharaj suffered the injury during warm-ups ahead of the first match on Tuesday, and scans confirmed the severity of the strain, leading to his exclusion from the series.
To replace Maharaj, South Africa has called up Bjorn Fortuin for the second and third ODIs. Fortuin is a like-for-like replacement, stepping in after Maharaj had to limp off just before the first ODI’s toss. Andile Phehlukwayo was brought in as a last-minute substitute for Maharaj in the playing XI.
Maharaj will return to Durban to begin his rehabilitation and will be reassessed ahead of South Africa’s upcoming Test series against Pakistan. His injury adds to the growing list of unavailable South African bowlers, including Anrich Nortje (fractured toe), Gerald Coetzee (groin), Lungi Ngidi (hip), Nandre Burger (lower back), and Wiaan Mulder (broken finger).
Despite these setbacks, Maharaj and Mulder have both been included in South Africa’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. Maharaj is recovering from a groin strain, while Mulder is being closely monitored after recovering from a broken finger. If Mulder is fit in time for the Test series, top-order batter Matthew Breetzke will be released from the squad. South Africa has also included uncapped seam bowlers Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka in the squad. Bosch, the son of former international Tertius Bosch, earned his call-up following an impressive performance against the England Lions.
With several key bowlers unavailable, South Africa will need to carefully manage their resources. The inclusion of Bjorn Fortuin in the ODI squad is a crucial step in maintaining balance amid the team’s injury woes.
