South Africa’s cricketing stalwart, Quinton de Kock, has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. The decision was confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) in their recent World Cup squad announcement on September 5.
De Kock, who made his ODI debut in 2013, has been a consistent and impactful presence for the Proteas in the 50-over format. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has participated in 140 ODI matches, amassing an impressive 5966 runs at an average of 44.85, with a formidable strike rate of 96.08.
The left-handed batsman boasts an impressive record of 17 centuries and 29 half-centuries, with his highest score being an impressive 178 runs.
Not only a prolific batter, but Quinton de Kock has also been a reliable wicket-keeper for South Africa, having affected 183 catches and executed 14 stumpings in ODIs.
Director of Cricket for South Africa, Enoch Nkwe, expressed his appreciation for De Kock’s contributions to South African cricket, remarking, “Quinton de Kock has been a really good servant to South African cricket. He set the benchmark with his attacking batting style and was a key member of the squad for a number of years. He also wore the captain’s armband, and that is an honor that very few people get to hold.”
Nkwe continued, “We understand his decision to step back from ODI cricket, and we want to thank him for his service over the years. We wish him well for the future but still look forward to seeing him represent the Proteas in T20I cricket.”
At 30 years old, De Kock has played a significant role in South Africa’s previous World Cup campaigns, featuring prominently in the 2015 and 2019 editions. During these tournaments, he contributed 450 runs from 17 matches at an average of 30.
South Africa is set to begin their 2023 World Cup journey with a match against Sri Lanka on October 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. As the cricketing world bids farewell to Quinton de Kock in the ODI format, fans will undoubtedly cherish the memories he has created over the years and eagerly anticipate his future contributions in T20I cricket.