IND vs SA: "No.1 In The World" - Dale Steyn Goes Gaga Over Dean Elgar

South African opener Dean Elgar was the major wall on Day 2 of the first Test against India being played in Centurion. Elgar slammed his 14th Test ton in his farewell Test series and was unbeaten on 140 runs and will be aiming to take his team to a healthy lead when the Proteas come out to continue their first innings on Day 3.

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn, who is known to be one of the best fast bowlers in the world, has heaped praise on the left-handed Proteas opener. Replying to a tweet on ‘X’ by South African physio Craig Govender, who is also the head medical doctor of the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, Steyn stated that Elgar is the hardest opening batsman on the cricket field.

Dale Steyn in awe of Dean Elgar

Tagging Dale Steyn in his tweet, Craig Govender wrote on ‘X’, “Dean Elgar is pure class…. Tough as nails and bleeds for that 84 Test baggy. At his best when he gets into his rhythm and zone… Better known as the “Elgarithm” – Dale Steyn.”

Dale Steyn’s reply to Craig Govender’s tweet read, “The ELGARITHM! Tough as nails! Hardest opening batter out there, no 1 in the world!.”

The ELGARITHM!

Tough as nails! Hardest opening batter out there, no 1 in the world! https://t.co/3ZlY2dYP3N

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) December 27, 2023

Dean Elgar, who is playing his last Test series for South Africa, is probably one of the most underrated batsmen in world cricket. Elgar has played many famous knocks throughout his career and has taken South Africa to many famous wins.

Dean Elgar became the first South African batter to smash a hundred against India at home since 2014. Elgar also anchored South Africa’s brilliant comeback during the 2021 series against the Indian team when they lost the first Test in a one-sided manner in Centurion and displayed a solid comeback.

Heading back to the IND vs SA first Test, the Indian team scored 245 runs in its first innings, courtesy of a 101-run knock by wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul. Rahul hit 14 fours and four sixes throughout his innings and took the Indian team a fighting score.

Apart from Rahul only Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer showed some fight with the bat whereas Shardul Thakur played a brave cameo of 24 runs.

Coming down to bat in the first innings, South Africa were able to surpass India’s score on Day 2 itself and they led by 11 runs at Stumps.

The current situation in Centurion is not very soothing for the Indian team as Dean Elgar has already completed his 150 whereas South Africa’s lead has also crossed the 50-run mark on Day 3.

Team India needs to finish off South Africa’s tale quickly if they wish to make a comeback in the match.

India has never won a Test series on the South African lands ever since their first tour in 1992. The Indian team has been able to win just 3 Tests on its last four tours and has lost the previous two Test series 2-1.

2023 is the best chance for India to end their drought in South Africa, otherwise, they might have to wait for another tour to win their first Test series.