‘I Don’t Know, To Be Dead Honest,’: Coach Walter Has No Clarity Of De Kock’s T20I Future

South Africa’s white-ball cricket coach, Rob Walter, has left the door open for Quinton de Kock to discuss his future in T20Is, though the wicketkeeper-batter hasn’t indicated a return to international cricket after his recent absence from the format.

De Kock retired from Test cricket in 2021 and played his final ODI during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he had a standout performance with four centuries. He also led South Africa’s batting during the T20 World Cup 2024 but has since missed several T20Is, including those against West Indies and the upcoming series against Ireland. De Kock remains active in global T20 leagues but does not currently hold a central contract with South Africa.

Walter acknowledged De Kock’s contributions to South Africa’s T20I team, where he remains the top run-scorer, but emphasized that future selections would depend on performance, especially if De Kock decides to return.

“I do not know, to be dead honest. For the next little while, there will be no conversations between myself and Quinny as to whether he wants to play for South Africa again. I have left the door open for him to approach me if and when he wants to do that. That might never happen.”

The Proteas’ squads for the upcoming white-ball matches against Afghanistan and Ireland were announced, with Aiden Markram captaining the T20I side and Temba Bavuma leading the ODI squad.

South Africa’s fixtures against Afghanistan include three ODIs from 18-22 September, while the series against Ireland begins with two T20Is on 27 and 29 September, followed by three ODIs from 2-7 October.