Before the finals of the home ODI series, Quinton de Kock made an emotional comment
While giving the speech, Quinton de Kock got emotional as he was taking the field for the last time in a home ODI. Recently, he announced that he would be retiring from the ODI format after the conclusion of next month’s 2023 World Cup in India.
While preparing for the mega event, i.e., the World Cup 2024, Quinton along with the rest of his South African teammates hosted Australia for a five-match ODI series. The dynamic southpaw notched up a match-winning 82 in Potchefstroom and another 45 in Centurion to bring the Proteas to level terms with the visitors.
When asked to explain the reason behind his sudden exit, Quinton de Kock said: "You know, it's just the feeling I was getting; you know, at the end of my test career, I was fighting to play the Test matches. I played around 50 test matches, I think. A lot of 5-day games, the heat, and the sub-continental conditions take a toll on you. I thought about it; I spoke to the people whom I trust, and they just said to me, If you think that, then you should do it; you should have no shame in saying that."
He further added, "Here are a lot of memories. I think it's been 10 to 11 years with this team. My body says
I am 40, but I make my mind say that I am 20. Playing against India, scoring three hundreds, and India test matches, the Australian series, the Sri Lankan series—we have a lot of good memories."