After 11 years on the international tour, de Kock insists he remains dedicated to South African cricket and the fans, but it is time he ‘tops up’ his earnings as his career comes to an end.
South African keeper-batter Quinton de Kock has embraced the rise of franchise-based T20 leagues and the money that comes with it, prompting his decision to retire from ODI cricket at the age of 30. De Kock, who declared his Test retirement a few years back, will continue to play T20Is for the Proteas.
De Kock, who has been on the international circuit for the previous 11 years, said he remained dedicated to South African cricket and the fans, but it is time he ‘tops up’ his earnings as his career winds down.
In an interview with the host broadcaster, de Kock stated that money was one of the reasons he decided to end his international career. He said that he is grateful to have been able to achieve so much for his nation for over a decade, but the time has come for him to safeguard his future by competing in T20 competitions, beginning with the BBL in December, which would conflict with South Africa’s home ODIs against India.
I won’t just sit here and claim that it doesn’t. It supports my decision-making. I’ve been here for 10 or 11 years, and I’ve tried to stay loyal to the team, which I believe I’ve done well. “I think I’ve done a good job of representing the Proteas over my career,” de Kock said before the last ODI against Australia in Johannesburg.
De Kock argued that anyone else would have made the same decision.
I won’t dispute that T20 tournaments are quite lucrative, and when a player’s career is winding down, players want to receive one last top-up. A normal person would do it anyway. If I wasn’t so loyal, I would have done it five years ago, when it was really taking off. Now that I’m older and towards the end of my career, it’s time,” the keeper-batter continued.
De Kock remembers a favorite memory
De Kock, who has played top-flight cricket since he was a child, recalled his favorite inning across all formats. Though his career-high 178 against Australia in 2016 was supposed to be his go-to response, the left-handed batsman considered his 51 against Sri Lanka in the Galle Test in 2014 to be among his greatest.
“We won one-nil in Sri Lanka, which is never an easy feat for teams from outside the subcontinent,” De Kock remarked.
“There have been a lot of good memories along the way, things you can’t just forget.” I never forget that the men know I’m an elephant. Some things I never forget. I remember every last detail about everything. The South African explained, “I’m learning a new skill.”
Meanwhile, in South Africa’s last home ODI against Australia, de Kock struck 27 from 29 balls as the team finished with 315 for nine.
