3 batsmen who could replace AB de Villiers in Proteas ODI squad

#2 Dean Elgar

Dean Elgar has been used by South Africa exclusively as a Test batsman but the gap which de Villiers leaves in the side might just be Elgar's ticket into the ODI squad.

Elgar has been a part of the South African side for a few years now and has shown the cricketing world that he is a dependable batsman. He is certainly one of the toughest batsmen out there and has proved to have the tenacity and fight to grind it out and stick at the crease.

This is something which South Africa might consider to be quite attractive when it comes to their middle order. South Africa have shown in recent years that their middle order is pretty vulnerable and that the early loss of their top order usually poses a problem for the team when it comes to batting.

Granted, the same can be said for just about any cricketing side, but South Africa have too frequently collapsed and found themselves in a spot of bother when they were cruising to victory.

Elgar is someone who could add that much-needed stability in the middle order. He isn't someone who will simply give his wicket away, and is happy to nudge the ball here and there to keep the scoreboard ticking. He has also shown that he has tremendous defensive skill and can frustrate bowlers with his patience.

Elgar also brings a bit of seniority and experience into the squad which is something that will be missed now that de Villiers has retired.