The cricket world was left shocked when Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that their star wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock will retire from ODIs after World Cup 2023. The retirement announcement came minutes after South Africa’s World Cup squad was announced. A day after, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma revealed that he was unaware of De Kock’s retirement and received the news like everyone else.
"I wasn't in the loop, as per his thinking or decision. With Quinny, at times, you can expect anything. It doesn't change how we see the guy. It's always been a pleasure playing with Quinton from our Under-15 days at school. He is an incredible player, talented; too much talent. He will be a big loss to South Africa at least in the ODI stuff," Bavuma told reporters.
"He is one of the guys I lean on from a tactical point of view. Not having him within the space is going to be a bit of a challenge but it's something we will have to overcome."
However, Bavuma was not disappointed about how De Kock chose to break the news as he has been more open with his teammates of late.
"This year is the freest I have ever seen him be in and around the team. He has been a lot more bubblier, always cracking jokes and starting banter within the guys. I guess, maybe he made the decision a long time ago and it was about finding the right time to let everyone know. He has chosen his route, he is going to go the T20 route - the format he has succeeded quite well in. All we can do is wish him the best," Bavuma added.
Earlier in 2021, De Kock announced his retirement from the Test after a loss to India in the Centurion encounter. The 30-year-old is likely to play more franchise cricket across the world. He will also feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 season for Melbourne Renegades.
South Africa squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.
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