Following the two-match Test series against India at home, former South Africa skipper Dean Elgar is expected to announce his retirement. At the conclusion of the Test series against India at home, Elgar will complete his 11-year international career. Elgar’s swansong is scheduled for Newlands, where he got his maiden Test runs. He will play his farewell Test at his home stadium of the Centurion.
Elgar debuted in Tests as well as ODIs in 2012, although he was most successful in the longest format. In 84 Test matches thus far, the 36-year-old has amassed 5146 runs, which includes 13 hundreds and 23 fifties.
Elgar, who hit 333 runs in three games against Australia in 2018, was also a key player during South Africa’s 3-1 series victory at home. during the third Test in Cape Town, he made 141* off the bat as the Proteas proceeded on to win the series 3-1.
In 2021, he was recognised for his batting prowess with the position as Test captain. In the 2021–2023 cycle, South Africa emerged third during the World Test Championship under his leadership. Thanks to home series victories over India and the West Indies and a draw series in New Zealand.
“I have made the decision to retire from our beautiful game” : Dean Elgar
The southpaw said in a statement about his retirement plans. He said, “Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate.Having had the privilege to do it for 12 years internationally is simply beyond my wildest dreams. It has been an incredible journey that I have been fortunate enough to have.
The South African opener added, “As they say, ‘all good things come to an end’, and the Indian home series will be my last, as I have made the decision to retire from our beautiful game. A game that has given me so much. The Cape Town Test will be my last. My favourite stadium in the world. A place I scored my first Test run against New Zealand and hopefully my last too.”
Fans react as Dean Elgar announces retirement from international cricket after India series:
Dean Elgar to retire from international cricket after the Test series against India. pic.twitter.com/a1gue72jmU
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 22, 2023
Dean Elgar to retire from international cricket after the Test series against India.
— Dr.M.Tahir (@dr_tahiryousuf) December 22, 2023
One of the best South Africa Opener
In Test pic.twitter.com/hZM0HAOi7z— Gauravgupta (@Gauravg2152) December 22, 2023
South Africa cricket team be like pic.twitter.com/Q45DLu311Y
— Jigar (@Jigarr96) December 22, 2023
Remember this? pic.twitter.com/0mArGYgjk1
— shreyas iyer (parody) (@shreyas_iyerkkr) December 22, 2023
Wow, end of an era. Best of luck to Dean Elgar on his next chapter! ?
— Rahul Saini (@RahulSa33588809) December 22, 2023