ZIM vs SA 2025: Keshav Maharaj ruled out of second Test due to groin strain, Mulder to lead

South Africa has suffered a major setback before the second and final Test against Zimbabwe, as acting captain Keshav Maharaj is ruled out with a left groin strain. Maharaj suffered the injury while batting on Day 3 of the opening Test, a game in which he performed magnificently in the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma. In Maharaj's departure for home for additional medical evaluation, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been entrusted with the captaincy for the next encounter in Bulawayo, which will commence on July 6.

The timing is bad for Maharaj, who was playing his first Test as captain. He was impressive in the opening game of the series, taking four wickets with his left-arm spin and contributing a crucial half-century in the second innings. His captaincy and overall performance were instrumental in South Africa's dominant 328-run victory in the first Test.

Mulder Steps Up as Proteas Look to Build on Dominant Start

Mulder, relatively inexperienced as a captain, was one of Harare's top performers. He made a career-high 147 and took four wickets, confirming his status as a potential leader. It will be his first experience of captaining a team in red-ball cricket, but the Proteas camp has no doubts he will rise to the challenge.

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To compensate for Maharaj's unavailability, South Africa has brought in left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who has played four Tests and is likely to play a key part in Bulawayo. In another change, pacer Lungi Ngidi, who was on his way to join the team before the second Test, has been released. The decision is meant to provide more game time for promising quicks Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka, and Corbin Bosch, all of whom performed impressively in the first Test.

Even with the reshuffle, South Africa will be looking for a whitewash in the two-match series. The first Test had indicated the depth of their squad, with emerging talents such as Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Bosch delivering when it mattered most. With Mulder leading the attack now, the Proteas will be looking to keep up the momentum and conclude the series on a positive note.