Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s famous wicketkeeper and batter, has decided to come out of retirement for one-day internationals (ODIs). The 32-year-old will join the national team for upcoming ODIs and T20 matches against Pakistan next month.

De Kock had retired from 50-over international cricket after the 2023 World Cup in India. Since then, he has not played for South Africa in any format, except for T20 leagues. He had already retired from Test cricket in 2021, and last year he did not get a central contract with Cricket South Africa.

This return comes at an important time for South Africa, with the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka scheduled for next year and the 2027 50-over World Cup, which South Africa will co-host. His comeback is seen as a boost for the team, especially after star batter Heinrich Klaasen retired from international cricket in June.

“Quinton’s return to white-ball cricket is a major boost for us,” said South Africa coach Shukri Conrad. “He still has a strong ambition to represent his country. Everyone knows the quality he brings, and having him back can only help the team.”

This year, De Kock has played only in T20 franchise leagues. He started in South Africa’s SA20 league, then played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Major League Cricket in the USA, and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Despite the break from international cricket, he remains one of the best white-ball batters in the world.

Since his ODI debut in January 2013, De Kock has scored 21 centuries, more than almost any other player except Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He was also South Africa’s top run-scorer at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

South Africa will tour Pakistan starting 12 October. They will play two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20 matches. Injured captain Temba Bavuma will miss the Tests, so Aiden Markram will lead the team. For a one-off T20 against Namibia, Donovan Ferreira will serve as captain.

South Africa Squad for Pakistan

Tests: Aiden Markram (capt), 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

T20s: David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams

ODIs: Matthew Breetzke (capt), 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-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile

Namibia T20: Donovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams

De Kock’s return is expected to give South Africa extra strength in batting and experience behind the stumps. His presence will also boost younger players who can learn from his experience.

In simple words, De Kock’s comeback is a big moment for South African cricket. Fans will watch eagerly to see him shine again on the international stage and help the Proteas achieve success in white-ball cricket.