After the next series against India, Dean Elgar is thinking about retiring, which might mean a change in South African Test cricket. The Rapport publication suggests that Dean Elgar decision may have stemmed from his perception of being left out of Test coach Shukri Conrad’s future plans. His unclear status within the club has raised questions about his future despite his good domestic results, where he has amassed 402 runs at an amazing average of 80.40.
Dean Elgar was supposed to captain a depleted South African team—notably devoid of its T20 stars—against New Zealand, but reports indicated that negotiations with Cricket South Africa had difficulties. This development is consistent with Conrad reportedly considering South Africa A captain Neil Brand for the opening batsman position in the next series. In the event that Elgar decides to retire after the India series, Tony de Zorzi seems ready to join Brand.
“Just anticipate that news [of Dean Elgar retirement] will spread quickly,” the insider told Rapport Newspaper.
At first, it looked like the southpaw’s rise to permanent Test match skipper in June 2021 would benefit South Africa. During his tenure, the squad overcame a 1-0 deficit against India at home and prevailed against the West Indies with a 2-0 series win. Notably, he rallied spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer to deliver another victory against Bangladesh in less than a month on home soil, albeit in the absence of IPL stars.
Dean Elgar has maintained the heat throughout 2018.
Notably, the 36-year-old has been unhappy since 2018 over not being given enough credit for his accomplishments. For the seasoned cricketer, this may be a turning point in his career, possibly bringing an end to his glorious Test career.
“I haven’t received much recognition for the work I have done in the past. I don’t believe that my bond with South African cricket fans is particularly strong. Frequently, my actions have been ignored or covered up. People tend to forget that every team needs players like me, Elgar admitted in 2018, as reported by The Indian Express.
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