In a heartfelt revelation, South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has opened up about the real reason behind his decision to return to international cricket, stating he profoundly missed the camaraderie and the honour of representing the Proteas.
The Dream Farewell and the Unexpected Return
The 2023 World Cup in India was supposed to be de Kock's glorious farewell. The left-hander produced a staggering performance, smashing four centuries, including three scores over 150, cementing his legacy before an expected retirement. However, the allure of the game proved too strong to resist for the 32-year-old, who is the 10th most capped South African in ODI history.
"Admiring beautiful sunsets can’t be the only thing in life at age 32," he realised, leading to his comeback in the Africa tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Namibia. The break from the national team provided a crucial perspective, rekindling the childhood dream of playing for his country that had been overshadowed by years of relentless cricket.
Embracing a New Role as a Senior Pro
Returning to a squad under coach Shukri Conrad, de Kock found a transformed environment. "There’s only a handful of the guys who are still here from when I left," he noted, expressing excitement about the fresh faces. "Now I’m playing with a whole bunch of youngsters, new guys, new coaching staff, so it’s quite refreshing."
Having always been one of the younger players amongst giants of South African cricket, de Kock is now embracing his role as a senior figure. He aims to emulate the guidance he received from legends like Dale Steyn, who was instrumental in his own career. "Apart from trying to win games, I’m going to try to help youngsters grow in their careers," de Kock affirmed, acknowledging the shell shock of his new status.
Eyes on the Prize: Future World Cups and Fitness
Despite his experience, de Kock is taking nothing for granted in the competitive Conrad era. "I don’t think the door is completely open for me," he stated pragmatically. "I still need to come here and score runs."
His motivation is clear: the irresistible lure of competing in future World Cups, including a potential home World Cup in two years. With his body feeling fitter than ever, de Kock has committed to playing for as long as he can, without setting a fixed timeline. His return adds crucial experience to a South African side still searching for that elusive ODI silverware, with de Kock poised to make an impact both with the bat and as a mentor.
