'Spirit of Cricket': Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Gift Signed Indian Jerseys to Dean Elgar on Farewell Test

Dean Elgar bowed out of Test cricket on Thursday, following the conclusion of the 2-match series against India. In the final game of his illustrious career, Elgar captained South Africa but couldn’t have favourable results. India outplayed the Proteas to level the series 1-1, ending the Test match in less than 2 days.

Elgar drew curtains on his career after representing South Africa in 86 Tests with 5347 runs, 14 centuries and 23 fifties. His best score – 199 – came against Bangladesh in the first Test of the 2-match series in Potchefstroom.

The 36-year-old kicked off the India tour with a match-winning 185 in Centurion. However, he couldn’t carry the momentum in Cape Town and managed scores of 4 and 12 in both innings.

After India’s record win on Thursday, Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma presented a signed Indian Test jersey (of Kohli) to Elgar, acknowledging Elgar’s commendable contribution to South Africa in Test cricket. The BCCI shared the pictures on microblogging site X, writing, “Spirit of Cricket.”

Indian captain Rohit Sharma complemented Elgar for being a great servant of South African cricket.

“Such an important player for South Africa. Very, very gritty and his wicket – we spoke about how we want to get him out quickly. We appreciate what he has done for South Africa. Brilliant career – best wishes ahead,” Rohit said.

Elgar shared the Player of the Series award with Jasprit Bumrah, who made his Test debut in Cape Town back in 2017.

“Glad that I don’t have to face these guys (Indian bowlers) again. Fond memories. I’m sure I played that Test match when Bumrah made his debut. We’ve also come a long way. Very grateful to play against these guys,” Elgar said.

Reflecting on his 12-year-old journey with his baggy green, Elgar said, “A lot of good, amazing memories. I received it in 2012 in the Perth debut, I have missed only one series with it and that was West Indies, captained the first series.”

“It’s got a special place at home and it doesn’t leave, only leaves for duty, but that’s now done and dusted. So I’m gonna have to find a special place for it. It is the first one and I am glad I finished with it,” he added.