Quinton de Kock Expresses Desire To Tick Off An ICC Event, Says 'I'll Give The World Cup My Best Shot'

South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock expressed his hope to end his ODI career on a high note by winning the ICC World Cup 2023. Quinton de Kock said that he is determined to give his best effort to help the team win the title in the upcoming event.

Quinton de Kock revealed that he would retire from the 50-over format following the 2023 World Cup in India. The left-handed batter said that despite being 31 years old, his body feels much older, around 40. He retired from red-ball cricket in December 2021.

I’ll Give The World Cup My Best Shot – Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock spoke about his close friendship with legendary former batter Barry Richards, who is considerably older than him. De Kock revealed that they frequently spend time together but mainly engage in conversations unrelated to cricket.

“We see each other almost every day because we live in the same complex. Not really. We might talk a bit about it but he’s like me, we talk mainly about other things.”

“I’ll give the World Cup my best shot. I would like to tick off an ICC (International Cricket Council) event,” De Kock said.

The Temba Bavuma-led team will start their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 7. The Proteas will face India in their penultimate group stage match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 5.

I Don’t Touch A Bat When I Am At Home – Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock said that he prefers to focus on other activities such as golfing, fishing, and spending quality time with his family when he’s not playing cricket. The southpaw emphasized that he intentionally avoids practicing during his leisure time, considering the extensive cricket he plays.

“I like golf, fishing, spending time with my family,” De Kock further added.

“I don’t touch a bat when I am at home. We play so much cricket that it’s like riding a bicycle. A couple of nets when I join up with the team and I’m ready to play.”

The 30-year-old reentered the South Africa team in 54 Tests, 145 ODIs, and 80 T20is, scoring 3300, 6176, and 2277 in three formats, respectively. He smashed 24 international centuries and 66 fifties across the formats.

Also read: SA vs AUS: Quinton de Kock Accepts Franchise Cricket As Reason Behind His ODI Retirement Decision