Quinton de Kock takes ODI retirement back, set to feature in ODI series against Pakistan

In massive news for South African Cricket and fans across the world, wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock is back from retirement in ODI cricket. The southpaw is set to feature in the team's upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named the 31-year-old in the squad.

Notably, the keeper-batter had taken retirement from the ODIs after the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition, in which he was the team's highest run-scorer, amassing over 500 runs. This will be after two years, De Kock will return to a format where he has dominated and has over 6000 runs at an average of 45. Not only is he destructive with the bat, but the southpaw also offers a lot with regard to leadership. In De Kock's absence from the 50-over format, South Africa struggled to find a proper opening batter at the top.

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While the Proteas went with Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram as openers for the two ODI series against Australia and England, De Kock's presence will surely bolster the batting line-up. The southpaw's fiery starts in the power play always set the team for a perfect launching pad in the middle overs and back end. In the 2023 50-over World Cup, the keeper-batter was instrumental in South Africa setting scores in excess of 350. With Heinrich Klassen's retirement from ODIs, the Proteas also lacked a solid keeper-batter in the playing XI.

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Quinton de Kock's unexpected ODI retirement U-turn positive sign for South Africa

For the unversed, with South Africa set to co-host the ODI WC 2027 edition, De Kock's timely return two years before the showpiece event will provide massive stability and balance in the batting line-up. The southpaw's ability to change the complexion of the game and X-factor ability to win games on his own sets him apart from the rest.

The keeper-batter last featured in national colors in South Africa's heartbreaking T20 2024 World Cup final loss against India on June 30, 2024. Since then, he has kept himself active by featuring in several T20 leagues across the globe.

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