The Indian Connection of South African Spinner Keshav Maharaj’s Wife, Lerisha Munsamy

Durban/New Delhi: South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj recently made headlines after his pivotal performance in the Kolkata Test, where he claimed India’s final wicket to secure a historic 30-run victory. But behind the cricketing superstar lies a fascinating Indian connection, not only in Maharaj’s heritage but also through his wife, Lerisha Munsamy.

Keshav Maharaj’s Indian Roots

Born on 7 February 1990 in Durban, Maharaj comes from a family of Indian origin. His ancestors migrated from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to South Africa in 1874, seeking better opportunities. Despite being away from India for nearly 150 years, Maharaj’s family has preserved its Indian traditions, celebrating festivals with great enthusiasm. This cultural bond is reflected in Maharaj, who proudly identifies with his Indian heritage and often visits Hindu pilgrimage sites during tours in India.

Lerisha Munsamy: Indian Heritage Abroad

Maharaj’s wife, Lerisha Munsamy, was born on 30 April 1991 in Durban. She also shares strong Indian roots and maintains a close connection to Indian culture. Lerisha pursued her education in Tamil Nadu and professionally trained in Kathak dance, becoming a well-known performer within Durban’s Indian community. She actively shares her dance videos on Instagram, amassing around 47,000 followers.

A Love Story with an Indian Twist

Maharaj and Lerisha’s love story began through mutual friends. Their connection deepened over time, leading to their first date. Their bond was further solidified through Indian cultural traditions—before marriage, Maharaj introduced Lerisha to his family, and she performed a Kathak dance for his mother’s birthday, impressing the entire family.

Wedding Rooted in Indian Traditions

The couple got engaged on 17 January 2019 and, after three years of dating, married on 16 April 2022. Their wedding followed Indian customs, with both bride and groom donning traditional Indian attire. The couple is now blessed with a daughter.

On the Cricket Field

Keshav Maharaj’s cricketing achievements mirror his dedication and precision. In the Kolkata Test, he took 3 crucial wickets, including that of Mohammed Siraj, leading South Africa to its first Test victory in India in 15 years. To date, Maharaj has played 61 Test matches, taking 215 wickets, including 12 five-wicket hauls in an innings. He also has 72 wickets in 54 ODIs and 38 wickets in 39 T20 Internationals.

Through both his personal and professional life, Keshav Maharaj exemplifies a deep-rooted connection to India, extending from his ancestry to his family and cultural practices.