South Africa’s Test captain Dean Elgar has issued a warning to his teammates who chose Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 over the Test series against Bangladesh. However, the absence of senior cricketers didn’t hamper the Proteas as they handed a 2-0 whitewash to the visitors.
Several South African players like Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram chose IPL over the Test series. The decision has certainly not gone down well with the Cricket South Africa (CSA) office-bearers.
Dean Elgar made his position clear, saying that these players might not be considered against when South Africa play their next Test match. Speaking at the end of the 2nd Test, the southpaw said, “I don’t know if those guys are going to be selected again, that’s out of my hands.”
Head coach Mark Boucher also spoke on the same lines as Dean Elgar and said that cricketers, who went to play in the IPL, have vacated their spots. He said, “They did go to the IPL and vacate their spots.”
Meanwhile, as per an agreement between CSA and the BCCI, it allows the Proteas players to participate in the IPL. Hence, the cricketers were well within their rights to exercise their rights and avail the big paycheque of the cash-rich league.
“We’re in a very special place” – Dean Elgar on Test series win
The Proteas bounced back off the blocks to win the Test series after going down in the one-dayers. Skipper Elgar was the highest run-getter, scoring 227 runs in four innings, at an average of 56.75. On the bowling front, Keshav Maharaj grabbed eyeballs, scalping 16 wickets in two Tests.
South Africa have now two back-to-back Test series, after beating India 2-1 earlier this year. Dean Elgar sounded content and said that he has the full backing of his teammates and they understand his style of play.
“If you’re playing good cricket and the results are going your way, it’s always going to ease the burden of captaincy. The last year has been extremely testing off the field, but I have an amazing core of players around me who understand me as a character and respect me as a player and a person. They understand the kind of cricket I want to play. Most of the senior guys have bought into it. We’re in a very special place, which makes me feel a lot happier about what I’m doing,” Elgar said.
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