Level-headed and tremendously determined, Elgar has the ideal temperament for an opening batsman and a great ability to match the right shot to any particular delivery.

Elgar has proved his durability by carrying his bat three times in Test cricket, matching the world record of West Indian great Desmond Haynes, but even in limited-overs cricket he is a force to be reckoned with. His skills and ability to place the ball so well mean he can comfortably score at a run-a-ball.

Not only did Elgar captain the Titans to the Momentum One-Day Cup title last season, he also scored a century and two half-centuries, getting his 340 runs at a strike-rate of 103.65 and an average of 42.50.

Even his left-arm spin has proven useful in the white-ball formats, while Elgar’s influence in the changeroom helps keep the Titans on level ground.