ENG vs SA:'It's Going To Start Being Tough For Players, Three Formats Is A Lot' - Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock has no regrets about deciding to give up the longest format of cricket, even if his decision to play in T20 leagues has left a gap in his schedule.

De Kock left Tests at the end of last year, just before he became a parent for the first time. He gave the reason that he wanted to spend more time at home, but that dream has not yet materialised. 

I Need To Think About Where I Want To Be In My Career: Quinton de Kock

“It hasn’t freed up my calendar – at least not this year,” de Kock said, in his first press engagement since stepping away from Tests.

“I’ve been roped in to play a couple of leagues but that’s my own consequence. I am happy to do it. It’s still a sacrifice but I’m slowly getting to an age where I need to think about where I want to be in my career. As long as I can do it at my own pace then I am happy.” 

De Kock had nearly two months free before a series against Bangladesh, but he has been busy since he returned from paternity leave to participate in South Africa’s white-ball matches against India in January.

Players Need To Make Decisions Individually: Quinton de Kock

He currently resides in England, where he will also play in The Hundred, then CPL and before another white-ball series in India and the T20 World Cup. He previously played for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and for South Africa against India.

And he agreed that it’s getting harder to choose what to play, with many players opting to drop a format as their sole choice. “It’s going to start being tough for players – three formats is a lot and it looks like more games are happening over the calendar,” he said.

“Players need to make decisions individually and if they feel they can do it [play all three formats], I am happy for them. But guys need to take decisions into their own hands. For me, I am happy where I am.” 

De Kock has said he will continue to play ODI cricket for the time being despite many people believing the format is slowly dying. He also wants South Africa will play more 50-over cricket.

“I want to say we need to play more games but I don’t see where,” he said. “The [ODI] game is doing well for itself with the way players are going about it and from a batting and bowling competitiveness. There’s a future for it and a lot of us still want to win 50-over World Cups. There’s a lot to play for.” 

Quinton de Kock Advice Younger Players To Play In All Three Formats

De Kock advised younger players to keep playing all three forms, adding that it only gets harder to fit them all together as you get older or your priorities shift. 

“When you’re still young you need to play all three formats and get certain things done in your career,” he said.

“It starts getting harder as you start getting older and the body doesn’t cooperate like it used to. It’s just a management thing.” 

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