South Africa recall De Kock as he ends retirement

Quinton de Kock, a wicketkeeper, has been called back by South Africa for their ODIs and T20s against Pakistan starting next month and has since reversed his retirement for one-day internationals.

De Kock, 32, left the 50-over internationals after the 2023 World Cup in India and hasn’t played for the Proteas in any other style since the T20 World Cup’s final in June 2024.

De Kock, who ended his Test career in 2021, was not given a central contract last year despite not having officially retired from the T20s.

The decision comes inainte of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2027 and the 50-over World Cup, which South Africa will co-host.

In addition, given the popularity of franchise leagues, it gives South Africa and international cricket a boost.

One of the best T20 batters in the world, Proteas batter Heinrich Klaasen, retired from international cricket in June.

Coach Shukri Conrad of South Africa, “Quinton’s return to the white ball space is a major boost for us.”

It was obvious that he still has a strong desire to represent his country when we spoke last month about his future.

Everyone is aware of his sideman’s qualities, and having him back can only help the team.

De Kock’s only previous professional cricket appearances this year were the SA20 in South Africa at the start of the year, followed by the Indian Premier League, Major League Cricket, and the Caribbean Premier League.

Since making his debut in January 2013, De Kock has been one of the best white-ball batters of the past ten years. Only Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have recorded more ODI centuries than De Kock.

At the T20 World Cup last year, he also had the best run record in South Africa.

Starting on October 12, South Africa will play three T20 matches, three ODIs, and two Tests in Pakistan.

Aiden Markram will take the place of injured captain Temba Bavuma, who has missed the first of their matches since winning the World Test Championship in June.

Following the tour, Donovan Ferreira will lead the one-day T20 against Namibia.

Aiden Markram (capt), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreyne, and others in South Africa’s Pakistan

David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, and Lizaad Williams are all in South Africa’s T20s.

Matthew Breetzke (capt), 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-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile,