Aoba Tanaka 
In a big cricket match against India, Dean Elgar did something amazing. He scored 140* runs, and people are wondering if this means he might leave cricket earlier than expected.
This was his 14th time scoring 100 runs in a test match, and it was really special. He did it when things were tough, against a strong Indian team. It was more than half of all the runs South Africa made so far. It showed how important experience is, especially for a player who starts the game.
In this game, Elgar showed some skills we haven’t seen much before. He hit the ball well, scored pretty fast, and celebrated with a lot of excitement. It seemed like he was playing freely, like a player who’s almost done but not quite yet.
Elgar said, “I don’t have anything to prove. Whether I fail or not, it is still coming to an end.” He just wants to help the team and end on a good note.
At the start of the game, South Africa was not doing well. Elgar and his teammate Labuschagne had to face difficult conditions and two really good Indian bowlers. It was tense, but they managed to steady the game with good partnerships.
Elgar’s time with a younger player, Tony de Zorzi, was important because de Zorzi might take Elgar’s spot in the future. Elgar is okay with that and supports him.
This game also showed a different side of Elgar. He hit the ball in a way we haven’t seen much before, especially through the covers. He said, “When you look to score, you get into a better position as well.”
For Elgar, getting a hundred in this game was extra special because he had never done it at this ground before. The crowd cheered him on, and he celebrated like it was a big achievement.
As Elgar thinks about leaving cricket, it seems like the right time. He’s 36 years old, there aren’t many games ahead, and the coach wants to give chances to new players. Elgar’s decision to leave now makes sense.
While he is focused on helping South Africa in the current series against India, there’s a chance he might have to lead the team in the next game if the captain is not available. This could be the hardest part of saying goodbye for Elgar.
