Star International player to come out of retirement: Know who he is

Selectors in South Africa have created a huge surprise by calling up Quinton de Kock for the all-format tour of Pakistan. The wicketkeeper-batter stepped away from One-Day Internationals after the 2023 World Cup in India, but he has now reversed that decision and will wear the Proteas jersey again in the 50-over format. 

The 32-year-old was one of South Africa's most prolific ODI batters over the last decade, amassing more than 6,700 runs with 21 centuries, which is joint-third for his country. He ended the 2023 World Cup on a high with four centuries and 594 runs overall, finishing as the tournament's third-highest run-scorer. Since the World Cup, de Kock has been involved in T20 cricket, both at the international level and franchise leagues around the world, but has not played any ODIs. 

De Kock's return was confirmed on Monday when Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the squads for the all-format tour, which consists of a two-match Test series, three T20Is, and three ODIs against Pakistan.

"A Significant Help": Coach Conrad on De Kock's Reversal

South Africa's head coach, Shukri Conrad, appreciated de Kock's reversal and felt the recent conversations made it clear, the left-hander still has the desire to play at the top level.

"Getting Quinton back in the white-ball space is a significant help for us," said Conrad. "When we chatted a month ago about what the future holds for him, it was clear that he still has a clear desire to play for his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings to the team, so having him in your line-up can only help." 

De Kock last played for South Africa in the T20 World Cup Final vs India in 2024. He has not retired officially from T20s, but he has not been picked for squads under former coach, Rob Walter. His selection means a new beginning with Conrad's vision for the white-ball teams. 

Bavuma Out of Action, Several Captains Named

This tour will also mark the beginning of South Africa’s defence of their World Test Championship (WTC) title. However, they will do so without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who is still recovering from a calf strain suffered during the England tour.

In Bavuma’s absence, South Africa have implemented a split-captaincy for the series:

•  Aiden Markram is set to captain the Test side.
•  David Miller to captain the T20I side.
•  Matthew Breetzke is set to captain the ODI side.
• Additionally, Donovan Ferreira has also been named captain for the one-off T20I against Namibia in Windhoek on 11 October.

This approach captures South Africa’s thinking in trying to manage workloads and giving younger players an opportunity to lead.

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Squads for Pakistan Tour

Test squad vs Pakistan
Aiden Markram (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj* (2nd Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne.

T20I squad vs Pakistan
David Miller (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

ODI squad vs Pakistan
Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

T20I squad vs Namibia (Oct 11, Windhoek)
Donovan Ferreira (captain), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams.

Tour Schedule

Tests

• October 12-16: 1st Test – Pakistan vs South Africa, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• October 20-24: 2nd Test – Pakistan vs South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

T20Is

• October 28: 1st T20I – Rawalpindi
• October 31: 2nd T20I – Lahore
• November 1: 3rd T20I – Lahore

ODIs

• November 4: 1st ODI – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
• November 6: 2nd ODI – Faisalabad
• November 8: 3rd ODI – Faisalabad

Significance for South Africa

De Kock's inclusion adds further experience to what is otherwise a fairly young South African white-ball setup. The likes of Miller, Brevis, and Breetzke, combined with de Kock's experience, provide balance as the Proteas continue preparations for future ICC events.

The tour will also test South Africa's depth in leadership with four different captains identified across the formats. Markram will lead the way in red-ball, while Miller and Breetzke will have the chance to lead South Africa into its next phase in white-ball cricket. As for de Kock, it is the chance to write a new chapter in his ODI career, one that many thought had closed down on Indian soil two years ago.