IND vs SA: "Some May Call It Stupid, Some Brave"- Dean Elgar On Taking Body Blows In Johannesburg Test

South African skipper Dean Elgar scored an unbeaten 96 as the hosts beat India by 7 wickets in the second Test in Johannesburg. In the process, the series is level at 1-1 with the final Test to be played in Cape Town starting from January 11. Elgar added crucial runs first with Rassie Van der Dussen (40) and then an unbeaten 68 run stand with Temba Bavuma (23) to win the match.

After the end of the game, Dean Elgar spoke about taking the responsibilities as a captain at the post-match presentation. During his five hour and ten-minute stay at the crease, the southpaw took several body blows and despite that stood strong.

If I Am Willing To Put My Body On The Line, So Should Everyone Else: Dean Elgar

“I said to myself I’m going to be there till the end as a senior batter, someone who’s been around for a long time. I needed to take responsibility. It’s not always going to work out but today it worked out. It’s a highly stressful and intense series against the Indians” the skipper said in the post-match media interaction.

He further said that he is willing to put his body on the line for his team and expect his teammates to do the same as well.

“Some may call it stupid, some may brave. I would like to see the latter. I’d like to see it as another influencing factor in our team. If I’m willing to put my body on the line, so should everyone else and it’s not in the mind. Playing for your country, you’re expected to do this, irrespective of how you are feeling and you need to focus on the bigger task at hand. That’s obviously to try and get the job done.”

Elgar was also quick to acknowledge the effort from all of his teammates behind this win. Rassie Van der Dussen and Bavuma’s knocks were as important as Kagiso Rabada‘s six wickets in the game.

“It feels really special, firstly as a captain. I don’t play for accolades or personal milestones. I play for my teammates and win. I’m not going to exclude them from their achievements, they’ve done throughout the last couple of days. I think it means a hell of a lot for me when it comes to influencing our environment and leading from the front. It’s always something that I’ve liked to have done.”

With the Test series level at 1-1 both teams look forward to Cape Town for the decider.

Also Read: IND vs SA: We Could Have Put 60-70 More After Winning The Toss – KL Rahul Reflects On 2nd Test