Aoba Tanaka 
As Dean Elgar prepares for his final Test, taking on the role of captain against India, emotions run high, and the stakes are monumental. Elgar, with 86 Test caps and over 5000 runs to his name, sees a Test series victory as significant as winning a World Cup, an accolade he has yet to experience.
“I only play the game to win,” Elgar expressed passionately. “This is my World Cup. This is my arena where I want to win.” Leading South Africa against India, a team he guided to a 2-1 victory in the 2021-22 summer, adds extra flavor to the challenge.
Reflecting on his unexpected return to captaincy due to an injury to regular skipper Temba Bavuma, Elgar considers it among his proudest achievements. “I don’t think you get a bigger accolade or bigger credit than to be asked to captain.”
While South Africa’s innings win at SuperSport Park secures the series, Elgar’s focus is unwavering – winning at Newlands. Drawing is not an option for him, considering it as significant as a loss. “The New Year’s Test at Newlands, they don’t get much bigger and better, against really tough opposition.”
This series marks the beginning of South Africa’s 2023-2025 World Test Championship journey, with a unique schedule. Despite his outstanding performance in the Boxing Day Test, Elgar affirms that his decision to retire was made months ago, and there’s no turning back.
As the New Year’s Test unfolds, Dean Elgar aims to lead his team to a memorable victory, adding a glorious chapter to his illustrious cricket career.
