India vs South Africa: In a heartwarming gesture Rohit Sharma presents Dean Elgar with signed Indian jersey
IND vs SA: Before the series gritty South African Test opener Dean Elgar has called it a day on his Test career and would confirm that the second of the two-match Test series against India in Cape Town will be his final international red-ball game
Cricket - Second Test - South Africa v India - Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa - January 4, 2024 South Africa's Dean Elgar reacts after the match and retiring from international cricket with India's Rohit Sharma REUTERS/Esa Alexander With the close of the second Test in Cape Town comes the end of Dean Elgar’s illustrious Test career. The southpaw has had his mark on the Proteas team, especially in the red-ball format. Appreciating his services for the Test game, the Indian skipper, during the post-match presentation, would give a signed Indian jersey to the gritty opener.
“Such an important player for SA, very gritty, we appreciate that. I’d like to wish him the best. A brilliant career, best wishes ahead,” Rohit would say after the game when asked about Elgar.
Elgar and Jasprit Bumrah were awarded the Player of the Series. “Still very proud of my performance that I had in Centurion. Finally on the board there in the hundred club. Nice to contribute to a winning cause. Some really tough batting conditions throughout,” he said.
The 36-year-old had a brilliant Test match with the bat in the first match of the series at Centurion when he was made the side’s captain in the middle of the game due to an injury to standing captain Temba Bavuma on day one. The gritty left-hander did not buckle down. Once again, throughout his career, he has shown he gets better when put under pressure.
Elgar scored a sublime 185 which effectively sealed the game. He was tactically sound on the field with his bowling changes and field placements.
Captain Rohit Sharma gave the signed Indian jersey to Dean Elgar.
Great gesture by the Captain. !! pic.twitter.com/wCEpGOrXsG
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) January 4, 2024
The southpaw was not technically a sound batter but could score his runs through determination and unshakable willpower. He was often compared to South African legendary captain and opening batter Graeme Smith. Elgar also led the South African side and had seen decent success.
The 36-year-old, in 85 Tests, scored 5331 runs at an average of 38.08. He scored 14 tons, with the highest score of 199 runs against Bangladesh.
In December, it was reported by Rapport newspaper that Test coach Shukri Conrad is considering selecting Neil Brand, South Africa A’s captain, as the opening batsman for the series in New Zealand, and Elgar is not in the long-term plans of the coach. Earlier in the week, Brand was named captain for the tour.
Share
