South Africa’s seasoned left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has climbed back to the summit of the ICC Men’s ODI bowling rankings, dethroning Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana after a stellar performance in the first ODI against Australia at Cairns. Maharaj’s five-wicket haul not only sealed victory for South Africa but also re-established him as one of the most consistent performers in world cricket.
The 35-year-old, who had last occupied the No. 1 position in November 2023, showcased his class with the ball, returning figures of 5 for 33 – the best of his ODI career. His efforts handed South Africa a 98-run win and an early lead in the three-match series against Australia.
Maharaj’s Journey Back to the Top
Keshav Maharaj’s story in ODI cricket has been one of perseverance and steady excellence. Unlike many frontline bowlers who rely on sheer pace or extravagant spin, Maharaj thrives on discipline, accuracy, and subtle variations.
His return to the No. 1 spot in 2025 is a testament to his adaptability and experience. Over the years, Maharaj has consistently delivered in crunch situations, often breaking partnerships and keeping the run rate under control. The five-for in Cairns not only gave South Africa a crucial advantage in the series but also reaffirmed his value as a senior figure in the side.
With his latest climb, Maharaj displaced Maheesh Theekshana, who slipped to No. 2, while Kuldeep Yadav of India maintained his spot at No. 3. This reshuffling highlights the dominance of spin bowling in modern-day ODIs, where wrist and finger spinners alike continue to outwit batters across conditions.
The Impact of the Cairns Masterclass
In Cairns, Maharaj was at his very best. Bowling with sharp turn and impeccable control, he dismantled the Australian middle order and ensured South Africa defended a competitive total with ease. His scalps came at crucial junctures, breaking partnerships that could have swung the game in Australia’s favour.
The performance also came at a time when South Africa are looking to build momentum ahead of major tournaments. Maharaj’s leadership in the bowling department provides captain Temba Bavuma with a reliable weapon, especially in conditions that favour spin.
Other Movers in the ICC Rankings
Maharaj’s resurgence wasn’t the only headline from the ICC rankings update. Several players across formats made significant gains:
South African Batters on the Rise
Aiden Markram climbed four spots to No. 21, thanks to his composed half-century in the first ODI.
Temba Bavuma, the captain, also rose five spots to No. 23 after a gritty knock that helped set up South Africa’s innings.
These moves underline South Africa’s balanced contributions, with both bat and ball finding form at the right time.
West Indies’ Surge in ODIs
The recently concluded series between West Indies and Pakistan also brought notable shifts.
Shai Hope, the West Indies skipper, continued his golden run with the bat. He amassed 207 runs in three matches, finishing as the top scorer and guiding his side to a 2-1 series win. His performances pushed him up two places to No. 9 in the ODI batting rankings.
Young pacer Jayden Seales made headlines by climbing 15 spots to No. 18 in the ODI bowling rankings after a superb 10-wicket haul in the series. His rise reflects the resurgence of West Indies cricket, particularly in the pace department.
Australia’s Gains in T20Is
While the ODI series began with disappointment for Australia, their T20I campaign against South Africa earlier this month had brighter moments.
Nathan Ellis entered the top 10 among T20I bowlers, rising three places to No. 9 after his spell of 3 for 31 in the deciding third match. His accuracy at the death continues to make him a vital asset for Australia.
Fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood also gained ground, moving up two places to No. 18, having been the leading wicket-taker for Australia in the T20I series.
Dewald Brevis – The Rising Star
Among batters, South Africa’s Dewald Brevis was the biggest gainer in T20Is. The 20-year-old prodigy, often compared to AB de Villiers, smashed 125 not out off 56 balls in the first T20I and followed it up with another explosive 53 off 26 in the second. These heroics pushed him nine spots up to No. 12, firmly establishing him as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.
What Maharaj’s Rise Means for South Africa
For South Africa, Maharaj’s resurgence at the top of the ODI bowling rankings is more than just an individual accolade. It signals the team’s growing strength in the spin department, an area that was once considered their weak link.
With Maharaj leading from the front, supported by Tabraiz Shamsi and a crop of emerging spinners, South Africa now possess a balanced bowling attack capable of excelling in varied conditions. His ability to bowl economically in powerplays, coupled with his knack for breakthroughs in the middle overs, makes him indispensable in the ODI setup.
Moreover, Maharaj’s calm demeanor and leadership qualities have made him a mentor figure for younger players. His influence extends beyond the field, instilling confidence and discipline within the squad.
The Broader Spin Renaissance
Maharaj’s success, along with the rise of Theekshana and Kuldeep Yadav, reflects a broader trend: the renaissance of spin bowling in ODIs. Despite the dominance of batters in modern white-ball cricket, spinners continue to find ways to dictate terms. Their ability to exploit pitches, deceive with variations, and maintain pressure has ensured they remain vital to any team’s success.
This resurgence also underscores the importance of adaptability. Spinners like Maharaj combine traditional skills with tactical awareness, using angles, pace changes, and accuracy to thrive even on batting-friendly tracks.
Looking Ahead
As South Africa chase consistency in the ODI format, Maharaj’s No. 1 ranking will serve as a huge morale boost. The challenge now lies in sustaining this momentum against Australia and beyond. With the ODI World Cup cycle underway, his form could prove decisive in South Africa’s campaign.
Meanwhile, the global rankings continue to highlight the evolving nature of international cricket. With youngsters like Dewald Brevis breaking into the top tier and experienced players like Maharaj reclaiming their dominance, fans are witnessing a healthy mix of continuity and change.
Conclusion
Keshav Maharaj’s return to the No. 1 spot in men’s ODI bowling rankings is a story of skill, perseverance, and consistency. His career-best 5/33 against Australia not only delivered victory for South Africa but also reaffirmed his standing as one of the finest spinners in modern cricket.
With other stars like Shai Hope, Nathan Ellis, and Dewald Brevis also making big strides in the latest ICC rankings, the cricketing world is abuzz with exciting developments. Maharaj’s rise symbolizes not just personal triumph but also South Africa’s resurgence on the global stage.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Maharaj can continue his reign at the top – and perhaps lead his nation to glory in upcoming marquee tournaments.