Quinton de Kock’s T20i future is still a mystery with white-ball coach Rob Walter still unaware of his availability.
The T20 World Cup Final in Barbados was Quinton de Kock’s last appearance in the shortest format of the game.
While he’s no longer centrally contracted by CSA, the lack of a complete retirement means his availability is a mystery.
He has already missed the T20 series against West Indies and has not been named for the Afghanistan and Ireland series.
When asked about any potential clarity about his situation, coach Rob Walter was quick to put his hands up.
“I don’t know, to be dead honest”, came the reply from the coach.
“I’ve left the door open for him to approach me when he wants to do that. That might never happen.”
De Kock has already stepped away from test cricket in 2021, while The 2023 World Cup was his last ODI commitment.
It was reported that de Kock ended up playing the 2024 World Cup after assurances from Walter. That choice was vindicated as the southpaw was the Proteas’ highest run-getter in the tournament.
There is no talk of a timeline with regard to any decision from de Kock’s camp at this time. However, South Africa are not sitting idle themselves, grooming Reeza Hendricks in his absence.
With de Kock active in franchise cricket, he is eligible for selection internationally. But Walter put in a marker on that point saying his return will not be guaranteed.
“There might be a conversation and also that conversation does initially mean it will lead to him being selected.
“We have to just allow him to have his space, to play league cricket and to do what he needs to do.
He’s not exactly old [de Kock is 31] so from here on in, it’s a performance-based conversation.”