We still have a Test series to level' - Dean Elgar urges Proteas to handle Quinton de Kock's retirement professionally

South Africa’s star keeper-batter Quinton de Kock has recently announced his retirement from Test cricket. His sudden announcement had left the cricketing fraternity all shocked. However, the Proteas Test skipper Dean Elgar has now opened up on De Kock bidding adieu to the longest format of the game.

From 54 Test matches, Quinton de Kock has chipped in 3,300 runs at an average of 38.82 with six centuries. He has been one of the pivotal cogs of the team’s wheel and thus his retirement amidst the ongoing series raised many eyebrows.

Elgar too confessed that he was initially shocked after hearing the news. He further added that he had a good talk with the keeper batter on the same and that he understands and respects his decision.

“I was pretty shocked. But sitting down with Quiney (Quinton de Kock), he explained his reasons and I respect and fully understand his decision,” Elgar said as quoted by News 18.

Players respect the environment: Dean Elgar

India dominated the proceedings against the hosts in the first Test match. The visitors secured a historic win by 113 runs to take an early lead in the three-match series. Amidst a crunch situation in the series, Elgar said that it is necessary for the side to take this in a professional way. He further added that the Proteas have a big task of keeping the series alive and hence the players won’t let anything affect them.

“The responsibility for us is to carry and conduct ourselves as international players. We still have to be professional around this. We still have a Test series to level, so I don’t think there will be any hangover or shock over Quiney’s retirement.

Players respect the environment. We realize that we had a few setbacks in recent times and we need to obviously have to be clever around it and get over it. I don’t see this affecting the players of still being shocked about his retirement,” Elgar added.

South Africa and India are all set to lock horns with each other in the second Test on Monday, January 3. The Virat Kohli-led side will be all raring to win the match and secure their maiden Test series win in the nation. Whereas South Africa will look to level the series.