Quinton de Kock's Retirement from ODIs: A Big Blow to South Africa Cricket

Quinton de Kock only managed 20 against the Netherlands in Dharamsala on Tuesday after scoring back-to-back hundreds against Sri Lanka and Australia. And South Africa was defeated by 38 runs in the rain-shortened match.

The Proteas' loss to the Netherlands, whose bowling attack isn't the best in this World Cup, just serves to highlight how heavily reliant their batting is on De Kock.

It is very clear that opener De Kock must significantly contribute with the bat if South Africa is to continue their World Cup campaign through the quarterfinal round. If not, their chances look dim because they'll be facing tougher bowling troops later on.

Currently, what will happen to the Proteas after this World Cup? Particularly given that De Kock had declared his retirement from ODIs following the current Cup due to the allure of T20 league money that affected his choice.

Since Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy in 2025, the next significant ODI event will take place in two years. It may be extremely difficult for South Africa to perform well in that competition without De Kock, who has come close to becoming an ideal replacement to players like Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Hashim Amla with 6405 runs, 19 centuries, and 30 half-centuries in the 50-over format.

As a particular skill, De Kock's absence will be exceedingly difficult to fill. In the system or on the team, I don't see anyone. "Someone else coming through the ranks is the best South Africa can hope for," former Proteas top-order batsman Daryll Cullinan told The Telegraph on Wednesday.

"Obviously, it's challenging to find a replacement for Quinny, but it also offers the chance to breed some of the most promising young people. Victor Mpitsang, a former South Africa selector, thinks "say, someone like 'Baby AB' (Dewald Brevis)" comes to mind.

There is little chance that De Kock will be urged by influential South African cricketers to reconsider his ODI retirement.

The priority is to keep him accessible for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the Caribbean and the United States in 2019.

"Discussions may result in Quinton continuing to represent South Africa in Twenty20 international matches. We are discussing with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to develop contract structures that would entice players like Quinton to keep representing South Africa.

"It's about allowing players to continue playing for the Proteas and have freedom to play domestic T20 events as well," stressed Andrew Breetzke, CEO of the South African Cricketers' Association.

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