Former Test captain Dean Elgar has opened up about the tumultuous environment in South African cricket, revealing his feelings of “disappointment and disappointment” after his sudden exit from the leadership role last year.
Elgar, now 36, moved to play for the English county of Essex after retiring from international cricket. Speaking candidlyto Rapport, he said he did not want to criticize his former employer until the end of his contract with Cricket South Africa in April.
Looking back on his time as captain, Elgar lamented that it had become a toxic mix of politics and administration, turning sportsmen into reluctant politicians and cricket managers. “I am a part-time cricketer and a full-time politician, which is something I don’t want to go through again,” he said, highlighting the gap between expectations and reality.
The resignation of former captain Graeme Smith as director of cricket in March 2022 has added to the tension between Elgar and coach Mark Boucher and the team’s management as they struggle to resolve the conflicting interests of the team and the CSA administration.
Reflecting on his leadership, Elgar admitted he sacrificed his game to overcome adversity and regretted not taking his personal performance into account. Despite significant progress in the Test rankings, including leading South Africa in victory against formidable opponents, he was blindsided by his sudden dismissal from the captaincy.
Elgar recalled the moment he was told he would be replaced by Temba Bavuma, who was neither known nor recognized for his contribution to the team’s development. Despite maintaining a close relationship with his former team-mates, Elgar felt his future lay elsewhere and Shukri was crucial in Konrad’s short Test career.
After finding joy in the comfortable cricketing environment of Essex, Elgar admits that South African cricket no longer fits its current image.
