Maharaj not concerned by Shamsi's form: 'He's a world-class bowler'

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj believes teammate Tabraiz Shamsi will bounce back in the second ODI against India in Ranchi on Sunday.

The Proteas lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after defeating India by nine runs on Thursday in Lucknow.

Chasing 250 for victory in 40 overs, the hosts were restricted to 240 for 8 in the opening ODI, with Shamsi being the most expensive South African bowler as he took 1-89 in his eight overs. 

Maharaj, who took one for 23, insists Shamsi's form is of no concern despite the left-arm wrist spinner conceding 20 runs off the final over from Sanju Samson (86*).

"I don't think it was a case of him bowling badly. The Indian batters had to take someone on, and unfortunately, it was him on the day," Maharaj told reporters on Saturday.

"I thought he held his nerve really nicely in the back end. He obviously picked up a crucial wicket at that stage to obviously open up again for us. 

"So no, I don't think it's a concern. We know what Shamo is capable of and it's only a matter of time before he bounces back."

Maharaj became the Proteas' first-choice spinner during the three-match T20 series, with Shamsi only playing in one T20 and going wicketless.

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Maharaj says Shamsi will get back to form and despite leaking runs at the death, his confidence won't be shaken.

"As I said, I don't think he bowled badly and I know the figures probably don't reflect the way he bowled," said Maharaj.

"I understand [that with] Shamo... we've played a lot of cricket together domestically and internationally. I mean, he's a world-class bowler.

"I don't think his confidence is dented because he did an amazing job at the end and it's only a matter of time before he puts in