The 33-year-old picked up the freak injury during the 2nd and final Test against the West Indies and the Wanderers while celebrating the fall of a wicket.

Maharaj consulted with a surgeon on Monday and it was decided that he will go under the knife on Friday.

The injury is set to rule the player out of the ICC Cricket World Cup in India later in the year.

Meanwhile, the Proteas spinner Bjorn Fortuin said that Maharaj will be missed during the ODI series against the Windies.

“With Keshav it's a massive loss and it's actually not really that nice to talk about,” said the Lions spinner.

“Never mind his natural ability with the ball and bat, he also has loads of experience and loads of leadership qualities as well.

“Besides the cricketing aspect, that is something that will be sorely missed.”

The first ODI will be played on Thursday at Buffalo Park in East London.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport