South Africa's Quinton de Kock Reverses ODI Retirement Ahead of Pakistan Series

South Africa got a big boost as Quinton de Kock has taken back his retirement from ODI cricket. He has been picked in both the ODI and T20I squads for the Proteas tour of Pakistan next month. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter last played for South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados. Earlier, he had retired from Test cricket during the India series in 2021 to focus on family, and after the 2023 World Cup, he also stepped away from ODIs.

While he was away from international cricket, De Kock kept himself busy playing in leagues across the world. He turned out for South Africa’s own SA20, the IPL in India, Major League Cricket in the USA and most recently the Caribbean Premier League.

Recently, Quinton de Kock talked with Cricket South Africa’s Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, about making a way to return to ODI cricket. Now, he is ready to come back, starting with South Africa’s tough tour of Pakistan. He will play in both T20Is and ODIs on this tour, after previously being left out of the shorter format teams.

Quinton de Kock is back in ODI cricket! South Africa’s coach, Shukri Conrad said that in talks with him, it was clear Quinton is excited to play for the Proteas again and keep going in white-ball cricket. Conrad added that Quinton’s experience and attacking batting will really help the team.

“Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us. When we spoke last month about his future, it was clear that he still has a strong ambition to represent his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the side, and having him back can only benefit the team," said Conrad.

This decision comes after some uncertainty about De Kock’s career. Although he never officially retired from T20Is, he wasn’t included in former coach Rob Walter’s plans. The Proteas will also miss Temba Bavuma on this tour as he recovers from a calf injury he got during the England series. Aiden Markram will also be out of the white-ball squads. This means David Miller will lead the T20I team, and Matthew Breetzke will captain the ODI side. South Africa and Pakistan will play 2 Tests, 3 T20Is, and 3 ODIs on this tour.

South Africa T20I squad for Pakistan tour

David Miller (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dr Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

South Africa ODI squad for Pakistan tour

Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dr Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

South Africa Test squad for Pakistan tour

Aiden Markram (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (available for 2nd Test), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne.