'With Quinny, You Can Expect Anything'- Bavuma On De Kock's ODI Retirement
De Kock will retire from ODI cricket after the 2023 World Cup. (X.com)
South Africa's ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, has revealed that he was not informed about Quinton de Kock's decision to retire from the 50-over format following the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
During the announcement of South Africa's World Cup squad, Cricket South Africa (CSA) surprised everyone by declaring that de Kock would retire from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup. This retirement came as an unexpected and sudden decision, less than two years after de Kock had retired from Test cricket in December 2021, citing the birth of his daughter as the reason.
However, his international commitments became more complex after he retired from Test cricket in early 2021, a decision driven by his desire for increased participation in T20 franchise leagues.
In a conversation with reporters ahead of the first ODI against Australia, Bavuma expressed his surprise at de Kock's decision and acknowledged that it would be a significant loss for the South African ODI team.
'With Quinny, You Can Expect Anything'- Temba Bavuma
"I wasn't in the loop, as per his thinking or decision. With Quinny, at times, you can expect anything. It doesn't change how we see the guy. It's always been a pleasure playing with Quinton from our Under-15 days at school," said Bavuma while addressing the media.
"He is an incredible player, talented; too much talent. He will be a big loss to South Africa at least in the ODI stuff. He is one of the guys I lean on from a tactical point of view. Not having him within the space is going to be a bit of a challenge but it's something we will have to overcome," he added.
South Africa have announced their playing eleven for the game Australia in Bloemfontein on September 7, with De Kock set to open the batting alongside Bavuma.
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