Quinton De Kock, the star wicketkeeper-batter of South Africa, has recently unveiled his aspirations for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He has announced his decision to bid farewell to his One Day International (ODI) career following the conclusion of the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.
This retirement decision from the 50-over format was officially confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) when they unveiled the team squad a few weeks ago. De Kock, who made his ODI debut in 2013, has represented the Proteas in 140 matches, amassing an impressive total of 5966 runs at an average of 44.85 and a striking strike rate of 96.08. The left-handed opening batter boasts 17 centuries and 29 half-centuries in his ODI career, with his highest score being a remarkable 178. In his role as a wicketkeeper, De Kock has proven to be exceptional, affecting 183 catches and executing 14 stumpings in the 50-over format.
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Quinton de Kock’s World Cup ambition
De Kock is determined to conclude his ODI career on a high note by aiming for a World Cup victory this year. The 30-year-old has also expressed his intention to step away from professional cricket after retirement, highlighting his desire to explore other activities such as golfing, fishing, and spending quality time with his family.
“I’ll give the World Cup my best shot. I would like to tick off an ICC event. I don’t see myself being involved in the game in any way when I stop playing. I want a life after cricket,” De Kock was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror.
“I like golf, fishing, spending time with my family,” the Johannesburg-born cricketer concluded.
South Africa’s future prospects and challenges
The Proteas will gear up for the quadrennial event with a couple of warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand. Their first official match in the tournament will take place on October 7 against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. However, South Africa has faced a double setback as Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the tournament.
