Indian Team’s heart-touching send-off to Dean Elgar on his retirement wins hearts on internet
The curtain has fallen on an era at Newlands Cricket Ground as Dean Elgar, the resolute opening batter and former captain, walked off the field for the final time in a Test […]
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Jan 4, 2024 7:41 pm
Rohit Sharma & Dean Elgar (Source – Twitter)
The curtain has fallen on an era at Newlands Cricket Ground as Dean Elgar, the resolute opening batter and former captain, walked off the field for the final time in a Test match today. For over a decade, Elgar embodied the South African brand of gritty batting. He wasn’t the most elegant, nor the most prolific, but his determination was a cornerstone of the Proteas’ batting order. Unfazed by fiery pace or spin wizardry, his resolute stance and dogged defense were a testament to his unwavering commitment to the team’s cause.
Elgar’s Test career began in 2012, facing the formidable Australian attack in Perth. It was a baptism by fire, foreshadowing the battles he would conquer and endure in the years to come. Over the years, he has played some terrific knocks for the side but hasn’t got the credit that he so dearly deserves.
In 2021, he took over the reins of captaincy, leading the Proteas through a period of transition. While victories may not have been plentiful, Elgar’s leadership was marked by quiet dignity and unwavering dedication to the team’s future. He fostered a culture of resilience and unity, guiding a young squad through the choppy waters of international cricket. The most remarkable moment of his captaincy was the series win against India despite being down 1-0.
Today, as he walked off the field, the applause rings were not just for the runs he scored, but for the battles he fought, the wounds he bore, and the spirit he displayed.
Indian team’s pays tribute to Elgar
As the curtain fell on Dean Elgar’s Test career, touching scenes unfolded at Newlands. In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma presented Elgar with a special gift – a Team India jersey signed by every member of the touring squad. This heartfelt gesture was a fitting tribute to Elgar’s long and distinguished career, a silent acknowledgement of the respect he commanded across the cricketing world. He also hugged him after winning the match.
Earlier, Virat Kohli, another batting legend who’s shared many an epic on-field duel with Elgar, had already added his own personal touch. He presented Elgar with one of his own jerseys, inscribed with a special message etched onto the fabric. This intimate exchange, between two warriors who pushed each other to greater heights, spoke volumes about the camaraderie that transcends rivalries in the gentleman’s game.
These simple gestures transcended the boundaries of mere presentations, becoming powerful symbols of the deep respect and admiration Elgar earned throughout his career.
