South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj has joined the Lucknow Super Giants camp, ahead of IPL 2024. Maharaj had led LSG’s sister franchise, Durban Super Giants at the SA20 League. The 34-year-old spinner, who is a staunch believer of Lord Ram, caught everyone’s attention after the DJ at the Newlands stadium played song, “Ram Siya Ram”, when he came to bat against India during the second Test. Upon reaching the team hotel in Lucknow on Friday, Maharaj received a welcome in a very unique style.
In the video shared by LSG on their social media, Maharaj was seen getting out of the car and famous song, “Ram Siya Ram”, was being played in the background. The hotel staff then put Tilak on the Proteas spinner’s forehead and gave him a warm welcome.
The Maharaj comes home to UP!pic.twitter.com/R89GZbBkTX
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 15, 2024
Earlier, Maharaj had also expressed his desire to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
“Unfortunately, the schedule didn’t allow me to visit during the inauguration of the temple. But in the future, I would definitely love to go and see the temple in Ayodhya,” Maharaj had said on SportsTak.
“Fingers crossed. Hopefully in the near future. Maybe the Lucknow franchise..(pause)..my family always wanted to go on pilgrimage to India,” he added.
Maharaj is not a part of LSG’s official squad but will be training alongside them in the nets.
“While Keshav Maharaj, who’s also a Super Giant in the SA20, will train alongside the squad during the season, he will not be part of our official squad. However, his presence during the entire season is bound to inject positive energy into the group,” stated LSG in an official release.
LSG will be opening their IPL 2024 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 24 in Jaipur. Their first home game will be against Punjab Kings on March 30.
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