Wiaan Mulder will replace Maharaj as South Africa captain in second Test

‌South Africa started their series against Zimbabwe with a resounding 328-run victory in the first Test. However, the Proteas have suffered a big blow with stand-in skipper and premier spinner Keshav Maharaj set to sit out the upcoming match due to a left groin injury, which he suffered while batting in the second-innings of the game.

This will bring some crucial changes within the team, including Wiaan Mulder's debut as the South Africa skipper in the second Test which will once again be played at the Queen Sports Club in Bulawayo. 31-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy has been named as Maharaj's replacement in the squad. The Durban-born is known for his handy left-arm spinners and ability to score crucial runs down the order. This could potentially be his fifth Test match and first Test since October 2024 for the all-rounder.

Maharaj led the team well in the first game and was one of the best performers for the Rainbow nation, taking four wickets and scoring a half-century in the second innings with a knock of 51 off 70 deliveries. On the other hand, it will be a huge challenge for South Africa’s second stand-in skipper Mulder who has not led a team in first-class cricket. The 27-year-old’s last captaincy stint was in the 2022 One Day Cup quarter-finals while representing Leicestershire against Kent. Mulder would enter the Test high on confidence, after he brought up his best Test score of 147 as well as took a four-wicket haul in the first innings.