South Africa coach is uncertain of Quinton de Kock’s T20I future “I do not know, to be dead honest.”

Quinton de Kock, a South African wicketkeeper-batter, declared his retirement from the ODIs following the 2023 World Cup. The southpaw, who made a commitment to only play in T20 Internationals, was last seen competing in the T20 World Cup 2024 final match against India. In addition to skipping the T20I series against the West Indies, he will also be absent from the two series this month and next against Afghanistan and Ireland.

The Proteas will then play the visiting Indians in Twenty20 Internationals, and coach Rob Walter has stated that he is unsure of De Kock’s chances in both formats. The seasoned player only appears in Twenty20 Internationals and announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2021. Walter said the 31-year-old’s “door is open” as the Ireland series draws near.

“To be completely honest, I have no idea. Quinny and I will not be speaking about whether he wants to play for South Africa once more for the foreseeable future. I’ve opened the door for him to come talk to me whenever he’s ready. That might never occur,” Walter was cited as saying.

All we need to do is give him space: Rob Walter

De Kock appeared to be devastated by South Africa’s loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. He later played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Major League Cricket (MLC). In addition to this, he has participated actively in the Indian Premier League and SA20. Walter gave off a lacklustre vibe when discussing the courageous cricketer’s T20I berth, relying instead on his franchise cricket prowess to convince selectors otherwise.

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There may be a discussion, and that discussion does not automatically imply that he will be chosen. All we have to do is give him the freedom he needs to play league cricket and take care of himself. Performance is going to be more and more crucial. Since he’s not quite elderly, the conversation will now be performance-based, Walter continued.