Keshav Atmanand Maharaj, a name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts, is a South African professional cricketer who has significantly contributed to the sport. Born on February 7, 1990, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Maharaj has represented the South Africa national team in Tests, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket.
In this article, you will know Keshav Maharaj’s net worth, salary, personal life, and achievements.
Keshav Maharaj’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keshav Athmanand Maharaj |
| Date of Birth | 7 February 1990 |
| Age | 35 |
| Education | Northwood Boys High School, Durban |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | Not disclosed |
| Turned Pro | 2006 (first-class debut for KwaZulu-Natal) |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | R1.5 million per year (CSA contract) + match fees |
| Wife | Lerisha Munsamy |
| Instagram Profile | @keshavmaharaj16 |
| Twitter Profile | @keshavmaharaj16 |
Early Career
Keshav Maharaj’s cricket journey began long before he donned the Proteas cap. Born in Durban, he made his first-class debut for KwaZulu-Natal at just 16 years old in 2006, immediately turning heads with his calm control and sharp left-arm spin.
Over the next few seasons he became a linchpin for the Dolphins in South Africa’s domestic circuit, racking up key wickets in the Provincial Challenge and Franchise competitions.
His performances with the ball saw him selected for South Africa A’s tour of Bangladesh in 2010, where he claimed 13 wickets across two four-day matches. By consistently outbowling peers and showing unusual maturity for his age, Maharaj forced the national selectors to take a serious look at him. A decade after his first-class debut, his steady ascent culminated in a call-up to South Africa’s Test side in late 2016.
Professional Career
Maharaj’s Test debut came at Perth’s WACA Stadium in November 2016, where he celebrated his maiden cap with four wickets and vital lower-order runs to help South Africa to victory.
He broke into the ODI squad in May 2017 against England and soon earned a spot in the Champions Trophy team. In July 2018 he produced his career-best figures of 9 for 129 in Galle, the best haul by any visiting bowler in Sri Lanka and across Asia, joining Rangana Herath as one of only two left-arm spinners to take nine wickets in an innings.
The following year he secured a historic Test hat-trick against the West Indies, South Africa’s second ever and the first in 61 years. Unexpectedly selected for South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad in 2021 despite no prior T20I experience, Maharaj debuted as captain and claimed a wicket with his first delivery.
Today he serves as vice-captain in limited-overs cricket and leads Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 league, blending veteran savvy with a hunger to keep improving.
Wife
Maharaj’s partner in life is Kathak dancer Lerisha Munsamy, whom he met through a mutual friend in early 2018. Their bond deepened quickly and he proposed on 28 July 2018, sealing their engagement in January 2019 after celebrating milestones like performing a Kathak duet at his mother’s 50th birthday.
The couple married in April 2022 in a ceremony that blended South African warmth with Indian tradition, reflecting Lerisha’s training in classical dance and Maharaj’s own Indian heritage.
Lerisha has been a constant source of support on tour and at home, travelling to matches and guiding his off-field focus. They do not have children yet, but both speak of starting a family once Maharaj’s cricket calendar allows more downtime.
Keshav Maharaj’s Net Worth Details
Keshav Maharaj’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Maharaj holds a central contract with Cricket South Africa that pays him roughly R1.5 million per year before bonuses. On top of his national contract, he signed with Durban’s Super Giants as captain for the SA20 league, earning franchise fees plus performance incentives.
Ahead of the 2024 IPL season he registered for the mini-auction at a base price of INR 50 lakh and was snapped up by Rajasthan Royals, adding to his roster of domestic and franchise commitments.
Salary
Under his CSA deal, Maharaj takes home a base of R1.5 million annually. Match-by-match fees for international fixtures boost that total: he earns approximately $4,500 for each Test, $1,200 per ODI and $800 for every T20I appearance. Franchise league appearances in the SA20 and IPL further supplement his income through match fees and win-bonus structures.
Career Earnings
| Year | CSA Contract (R) | IPL Auction Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,500,000 | – |
| 2022 | 1,500,000 | – |
| 2023 | 1,500,000 | – |
| 2024 | 1,500,000 | 50,00,000 |
| 2025 | 1,500,000 | – |
Endorsements
Maharaj partners with brands like KFC and New Balance, appearing in regional campaigns that tie into South African cricket promotions. He’s also pursued sponsorship deals tied to fitness gear and local businesses in Durban, using his growing profile to build a stable portfolio of off-field income streams.
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Avg (Bowling) | SR (Bowling) | Econ | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 57 | 198 | 29.68 | 57.32 | 3.10 | 9/129 vs SL 2018 |
| ODI | 48 | 58 | 32.51 | 42.34 | 4.60 | 4/33 vs AUS 2023 |
FAQs
1. What is Keshav Maharaj’s net worth in 2025?
His net worth stands at approximately $5 million in 2025, built on a central CSA contract, match fees, franchise league earnings and brand endorsements.
2. When did Maharaj make his international debut?
He debuted in Tests on 3 November 2016 against Australia at Perth, marking the start of his international career with a four-wicket haul and useful runs in a winning cause.
3. What record did Maharaj set against Sri Lanka in 2018?
He recorded figures of 9 for 129 in Galle, the best bowling by any visiting bowler in a Test innings in Sri Lanka and across Asia.
4. Who is Lerisha Munsamy and how did she meet Maharaj?
Lerisha Munsamy is a trained Kathak dancer from South Africa. Introduced by a friend in 2018, she and Maharaj became engaged in early 2019 and married in April 2022, blending cultural traditions.
5. What does Maharaj’s CSA contract include?
His Cricket South Africa central contract guarantees R1.5 million per year plus win-bonus incentives. It covers all formats, solidifying his place as a core member of the Proteas squad.
