WATCH: Virat Kohli Hugs Dean Elgar After South African Batter's Final International Dismissal

In a heartwarming gesture, Virat Kohli reached out to Dean Elgar and hugged him after the South African batter was dismissed for one final time in international cricket.

South Africa's Dean Elgar being bid farewell by India's Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah after the end of his final innings in test cricket during the first day of the second Test cricket match between India and South Africa, at the Newlands Cricket Ground, in Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024

It was quite an extraordinary day of cricket at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. While South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, Mohammed Siraj bowled a superb spell, finishing with figures of 6 wickets for 15 runs in his 9 overs as India bowled South Africa out for 55, the lowest total ever by an opposition against India in a Test innings. However, India too could not take a massive advantage and managed a 98-run lead after losing their last six wickets for 0 runs, a record in itself.

South Africa then came to bat for the second time on the opening day of the Test match itself and got off to a much better start this time. However, Dean Elgar, the South African opener playing his final Test departed for 12 off 28 and became the first batter to fall with Mukesh Kumar taking the wicket.

Realising that it was Elgar's last-ever walk back to the pavilion from the international stage, India batter Virat Kohli, who took the catch that got of Elgar, reached out to the batter and hugged him, seemingly congratulating the opponent on a great career. Other Indian players also applauded the South African star who is also captaining them in this fixture with regular captain Temba Bavuma ruled out due to injury.

Take a look at the video here:

Virat Kohli asked all his teammates not to celebrate the wicket of Dean Elgar and to respect him.

Such a gentleman he is. ❤️https://t.co/JolT7qZG0W pic.twitter.com/2ENHNhwfhl

— Rohit Sharma Selfless Academy (@SelflessRohit) January 3, 2024

South Africa Trail India By 36 Runs

At the end of what turned out to be a 23-wicket day, South Africa trail India by 36 runs. In the second innings, Mukesh struck twice while Jasprit Bumrah has got a wicket to his name. Siraj who stole the limelight in the first innings hasn't yet taken a wicket in the second innings.