South Africa

Bidding Adieu: Quinton De Kock’s ODI Journey in Retrospect

by
Zainab Shafiq
November 17, 2023

Table of Contents

Quinton de Kock, with 6770 ODI runs, exits the format after a stellar World Cup 2023 campaign.
His 594 runs in the tournament make him the second-highest run-scorer, just behind Virat Kohli.
A decision to retire from ODIs and Tests after the World Cup marks the end of an era for the South African cricket icon.

As the cricketing world bids farewell to Quinton de Kock in the One Day International (ODI) arena, the curtains close on a career marked by flair, tenacity, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. De Kock’s final ODI appearance, a second semifinal clash against Australia, might have seen him bow out with just three runs, but the impact of his illustrious career extends far beyond a single innings.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 provided a fitting stage for de Kock’s ODI swansong. In the tournament, he showcased his mettle, accumulating a total of 594 runs from 10 games, concluding as the second-highest run-scorer, just behind the indomitable Virat Kohli. De Kock’s performances were a demonstration of his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it mattered most.

Quinton de Kock to focus on T20Is and T20s

The decision to retire from ODIs and Tests after the World Cup was not taken lightly. Quinton de Kock, with his characteristic grace, had announced before the tournament that he would transition to focusing solely on T20 Internationals and T20 leagues for clubs. The World Cup 2023 has become the final chapter of an extraordinary journey, a decision that adds poignancy to every boundary scored and every dismissal celebrated.

As the cricketing community reflects on de Kock’s staggering ODI statistics – 6770 runs at an average of 45.74, including 21 centuries and 30 fifties – it becomes evident that his contributions have been nothing short of monumental. From the whites of Test cricket to the pyrotechnics of T20s, de Kock’s bat wielded magic across formats.

As the World Cup final looms on November 19th, the stage is set for a new chapter in cricket history. While de Kock may not be on the field, his legacy will linger on.