Test of loyalty for South African players ahead of IPL, Bangladesh series: Dean Elgar

The IPL, which will commence on March 26, will clash with a three-ODI and two-Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh.

South Africa skipper Dean Elgar (Image: Twitter/Cricket South Africa)
By Nilavro Ghosh | Mar 7, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

It is a test of loyalty for the cricketers of South Africa are concerned, as per batter Dean Elgar. The Proteas are scheduled to face Bangladesh in two Test matches and three one-day internationals (ODIs) starting from March 18. The series will conclude in its entirety on April 12. However, there is one dilemma for the South African cricketers and that is the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL). No matter how big a competition it might be, the IPL is infamous for pulling a number of players away from international duty. This debate is not new and it certainly is not the last time players will have to make this choice. Although Elgar admits that it is a pretty tough decision for the players, the South African cricketer also believes that they should be clear about where their loyalties lie.

“The players need to give Cricket South Africa an indication of if they are keen to go to the IPL or if they are keen to play for the Test side,” said the South African Test skipper. Cricket South Africa will allow the players to make a decision over playing in the IPL or playing for the country, as per a report in ESPNcricinfo.

“It’s a bit of a tough one putting that in the players’ box but this I guess, this is where you see where players’ loyalty lies,” Elgar continued. “They mustn’t forget that Test cricket or one-day cricket got them into the IPL and not the other way around.”

Who can opt against Bangladesh series?

A total of 11 South African first-team players have IPL contracts, six of who are Test regulars and play under Elgar’s leadership. Of course, the Proteas skipper would want his best men on the field with him, irrespective of the opposition. These players include the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, and David Miller.

Without these players, Dean Elgar’s side would one lacking a considerable amount of firepower and will be nowhere near its best. If the aforementioned pacers opt for the IPL over national duty, the Proteas would have to make do with reserve bowlers.

“I wish I knew more for my own personal sanity and that I could prepare, knowing that most of my bowlers are potentially not going to be there if they choose to go the IPL route,” Elgar said.

“If I don’t have everyone at my disposal then it’s a little bit difficult. It’s a bit of a tough one for me. I can’t take the field without my best side. I need my best side there. If they are not available, it’s something for us to sit down and get through,” he added.





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