New Delhi: India enjoyed a healthy outing in South Africa as after levelling the T20I series in the final match of the series, the men in blue have now registered their second-ever ODI series win in South Africa, after winning the ODI series 2-1, on Thursday night.
However, apart from India’s historic win, one particular moment from the match is going viral on the internet.
The incident took place during the third ball of the 34th over of the match, when Keshav Maharaj walked out to bat for the seventh wicket.
Notably, when Maharaj was taking his mark inside the popping crease, the DJ in the Boland Park, played the famous devotional song about Lord Rama, “Ram Siya Ram,” to which the Indian skipper KL Rahul, who was wicketkeeping, enquired from Maharaj that do they play this song every time he walks into bat, and Maharaj very casually replied by saying, “Yes.”
Check out the video below:
Super Giants banter 😂😂😂 >>>>>pic.twitter.com/k0DxIrRqLN
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 21, 2023
Interestingly, Keshav Maharaj has Indian origin, as his great-grandfather was from Uttar Pradesh, India. Maharaj has also proved that he is a devoted Hindu, and is often spotted visiting temples whenever he gets a chance to.
A lovely gesture of cultural respect among diversity in South Africa is making the fans go gaga over the incident.
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Netizens react
As soon as the video made its way to the internet, the netizens decided to give their take on it, in their own style.
Check out their reaction below:
In South Africa they play “Ram Siya Ram… Jai Jai Ram…” song whenever Keshav Maharaj comes to bat/bowl.
All hell will break loose if this happens in India with say a Ravindra Jadeja.
— 🅺🅳🆁 (@KDRtweets) December 21, 2023
Tell Me A Better Love Story Than Keshav Maharaj and The Song Ram Siya Ram 💓🫶🏻pic.twitter.com/k8xZdtkC3V
— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) December 21, 2023
KL Rahul – Every time you come to bat, they play the Ram Siya Ram song.
Keshav Maharaj – Ya…!!! pic.twitter.com/ldLDlmxRV4
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 21, 2023
Ram Siya Ram🕉️| Keshav Maharaj | Vibes🎶 #KeshavMaharaj #INDvsSA
📸SuperSport pic.twitter.com/TDYdQFCM8l
— Arny 🇮🇳 (@arnys_05) December 21, 2023
KL Rahul said – “Keshav bhai, every time you come, then they play this song “Ram Siya Ram”. (When Keshav Maharaj came to bat during 3rd ODIs)
– Keshav Maharaj also agreed & with smiles. pic.twitter.com/cnhEfJPfVX
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) December 22, 2023
If you would flaunt and follow your culture and religion proudly like Keshav Maharaj then everyone would praise you like KL Rahul ❤️🧡
Jai Siya Ram 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ES4EOYFs0j
— Sudeep🇳🇵 (@SudeepS94371402) December 22, 2023
KL Rahul – Every time you come to bat, they play the Ram Siya Ram song.
Keshav Maharaj – Yes
KL – it’s so good❤️ https://t.co/YChALsR6bN
— BALA (@rightarmleftist) December 21, 2023
DJ plays Ram Siya Ram whenever Keshav Maharaj Comes to bat 😍🚩
Jayati Sanatan 🚩
pic.twitter.com/uqSWQB3f5g— ْ (@shiv0037) December 21, 2023
Everytime he comes they play ram siya ram song
Keshav Maharaj is proud hindu ❤️❤️
May Sri Rama always bless you
— D…K (@DarkNghtUvacha) December 21, 2023
Match Summary
The third match of the series was played in Boland Park at Paarl, with the fate of the series hanging in the balance.
Earlier, the South African skipper, Aiden Markram, won the toss and opted to bat first.
India stumbled in the beginning as they lost both their openers inside the 50-run mark.
However, Sanju Samson (108), first with skipper KL Rahul (21) and then with Tilak Verma (52), stitched two crucial partnerships to take India out of trouble.
The Sanju Samson celebration yesterday after scoring his maiden century. 💪pic.twitter.com/DKOUeBjTNO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 22, 2023
In the end, Rinku Singh (38) and Washington Sundar (14), played handy cameos to take the Indian total to a respectful 296 for 8 in 50 overs.
Beuran Hendricks was the most successful South African bowler, with three wickets under his belt.
In reply, with the help of the Proteas hero from the second match, Tony de Zorzi (81), South Africa tried to dominate in the match, but India kept taking regular wickets to pack up the Proteas innings on 218, to win the match by 78 runs and series by 2-1.
Great work from Arshdeep Singh once again just like he did in thr 1st ODI ! Gets 4 wickets with an economy of just 3.3.He is turning out to be a fine ODI bowler can’t miss out on mentioning his six today 🫣#SAvIND | #ArshdeepSingh |#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/tIzMSWgOhz
— ishaan (@ixxcric) December 21, 2023
Arshdeep Singh was the most successful bowler for the men in blue, with his impressive spell of 4 for 30 in 9 overs.
