Rohit Sharma gives retiring Dean Elgar signed jersey, says there are not 'too many players like him'

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Rohit Sharma gave a much-deserving farewell gift in the form of a signed Team India jersey during the presentation ceremony after the end of second Test match between India and South Africa at the Newlands in Cape Town on Thursday.

Dean Elgar retired from international cricket following the 2-Test series against India which ended in a 1-1 draw. Temba Bavuma was the captain for the first Test but he left the field on the first day itself after his hamstring injury resurfaced.

Elgar led South Africa to a thumping inning and 32-run win in the first Test in Johannesburg. However, India spoiled his plan to win the second Test and win the series 2-0. South Africa suffered a seven-wicket defeat inside two days - (the shortest ever Test match of 642 balls) - after being bundled out for 55 in the first innings. The 36-year-old scored 4 and 12 runs in his last two Test innings.

The Indian team showed a lot of respect to the southpaw batter throughout his last Test. Virat Kohli urged the fans to bow down in respect of Elgar and not celebrate his wicket as he walked back to the pavilion for the last time on Wednesday. All the Indian players walked up to him and congratulated him on a impessive career which saw him score 5347 runs in 86 Test matches at an average of 37.92.

Just before talking to the presenter, Rohit Sharma handed the signed Indian cricket team jersey to Elgar. Later, Rohit Sharma heaped rich praises on Dean Elgar, calling him a gutsy and a rare cricketer.

“Such an important player for South Africa. Only a few have done what he has done. He is gritty, very gritty and his wicket - we spoke about how we want to get him out quickly. For someone to have a career like that, we all appreciate it. There are not too many players like him. Brilliant career. All the best to him,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

Dean Elgar was adjudged Man of the Series alongside Jasprit Bumrah for scoring 201 runs in two matches at an average of 67. After receiving the award, he praised Bumrah and on a lighter note and joked about not having to face lethal bowlers like him anymore.

"Bumrah is a world-class bowler and he deserves the Man of the Series. Glad I don't have to face these guys again."