South Africa's wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock surprised one and all with his sudden Test retirement last week. His announcement came after India defeated the hosts by 113 runs in the first Test at Centurion.
Proteas skipper Dean Elgar too was left “shocked” by De Kock’s decision but insisted that his team will take the setback in its stride and strive to level the series in Johannesburg.
“I was pretty shocked. But sitting down with Quiney (Quinton de Kock), he explained his reasons and I respect and fully understand his decision,” Elgar said at a virtual press conference on the eve of the second Test.
When asked if there will be any hangover on the players about De Kock’s retirement, the captain replied: “I don’t think there will be any.”
“The responsibility for us is to carry and conduct ourself as international players. We still have to be professional around this. We still have a Test series to level, so I don’t think there will be any hangover or shock over Quiney’s retirement.”
“Players respect the environment. We realise that we had a few setbacks in recent times and we need to obviously have to be clever around it and get over it. I don’t see this affecting the players of still being shocked about his retirement.”
Having made his Test debut against Australia in 2014, Quinton de Kock played 54 Tests for South Africa, amassing 3300 runs at an average of 38.82 with six centuries and 22 half-centuries.
He also left his mark as a wicket-keeper, with 232 dismissals, including 221 catches and 11 stumpings.
(With PTI inputs)
