Quinton de Kock adamant he won't reverse ODI retirement despite blistering form

By Nasri Alexander
3rd November 2023

Proteas wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock is adamant that he won't reverse his decision to retire from ODI cricket despite his devastating form at the World Cup.

The opener is currently the leading run-scorer at the global tournament having hit four centuries in seven matches to help the Proteas close in on a place in the semifinal.

"I'm set on my decision. It's the end of my 50-over career," De Kock said ahead of Sunday's blockbuster clash against host nation India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

How can I watch the Proteas v India at the 2023 Cricket World Cup?

"There have been one or two words said to me about it but I don't think it's going to happen."

When pressed further on the issue, the 30-year-old did leave the door slightly open to return to the 50-over format with the 2027 World Cup set to he hosted in South Africa.

"At this point, I don't foresee it happening. But, you never know. Strange things happen in life. It could be a possibility but I don't think so," he said.

"There's some good youngsters coming through anyway who will probably take my space as soon as I leave here and they will have to deal with national duties and that's that."

De Kock is taking on a mentoring role, helping and guiding the younger members squad as they navigate through the tournament.

"I am just trying to help out everyone where I can," he said. "Guys are going through experiences for the first time which I have been through before so I am just trying to help the guys."

He also insisted that personal milestones, such as leading run-scorer and most hundreds at a World Cup, is not on top of his bucket list.

"I'd rather win the World Cup and score no runs, than score all the runs and not win the World Cup," he added.