Cricket South Africa revealed on Thursday that veteran batter Dean Elgar will bid farewell to international cricket at the conclusion of the upcoming two-Test series against India. The 36-year-old, who played over 80 Tests, accumulated 5000+ runs, and captained the Proteas 17 times, expressed his decision to retire after a 12-year career. The Cape Town Test will mark Elgar’s final appearance, and he shared his sentiments, stating, “Playing the game of cricket has always been a dream of mine, but having the opportunity to represent your country is the ultimate.”
Elgar, known for his gritty batting style, began his Test journey in 2012 and established himself as a formidable opener alongside Graeme Smith. His career highlights include a century in Galle in 2014, the first by a South African opener in Sri Lanka, and significant contributions against spin, notably a crucial 160 in Visakhapatnam. Elgar assumed Test captaincy in 2021, overseeing notable series victories before passing the leadership to Temba Bavuma. As of the retirement announcement, he boasts 5146 runs with an average of 37.28 from 84 Tests, including 13 centuries.