Quinton de Kock announces shock retirement from ODIs at age of 30

South African star wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock will be pulling the curtains down on his ODI career after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. De Kock, who made his debut for the Proteas in ODIs in 2013, has already announced his retirement from Tests in 2021 citing reason to spend more time with his family and will now be hanging his boots from ODIs just aged 30.

The upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia and then the World Cup will be his last few games for the Proteas in the 50-over format. Confirming the development, Proteas on Twitter (X) said, "Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from ODI cricket following the conclusion of the ICC @cricketworldcup in India."

De Kock, who last featured in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in July for the runners-up Seattle Orcas, has 5966 runs to his name in ODIs at an average of 44.85 including 17 centuries and 29 fifties. The 30-year-old's availability



had become an issue after he signed up with the Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), which was clashing with South Africa's limited-overs series against India starting December 10.

On the other hand, South Africa announced their 15-member World Cup on Tuesday, September 5 with no real surprises. Temba Bavuma will continue to lead the side as all the experienced members including De Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Reeza Hendricks and the injured duo of Keshav Maharaj and Sisanda Magala, who have successfully recovered. The unfortunate one to miss out is Janneman Malan, who averages 47.90 but lost his form after the India series last October.

The trio of Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis and Wayne Parnell, haven't made the cut as well. Brevis and Stubbs who were part of the five-match series against Australia have been released from the squad while Parnell continues to recover from his shoulder injury.