Rob Walter: "I’ve left the door open for him"

Rob Walter, South Africa's white-ball coach, expressed uncertainty regarding Quinton de Kock's future with the T20I team, stating, "I don't know, to be dead honest." Walter mentioned he has kept the lines of communication open for de Kock to reach out but acknowledged that such an approach might never come.

De Kock's availability remains in question after he was left out of the T20 series against the West Indies last month, making it the second consecutive series since the T20 World Cup from which he was excluded. The 31-year-old cricketer, who is no longer under a national contract but has not fully retired from international cricket, will also miss two upcoming matches against Ireland later this month. South Africa is preparing for a home series against India in November, which will serve as a lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

When asked for any updates on de Kock's potential return, Walter indicated that clarity would be elusive for the foreseeable future. "I’ve left the door open for him to approach me if he’s interested in playing for South Africa again," Walter said during a press conference. "However, there's a chance that may never happen."

De Kock stepped away from Test cricket in 2021 and retired from ODIs after last year's World Cup. Initially, it was suggested that he would withdraw from all international formats, but he was convinced to remain available for the 2024 T20 World Cup, allowing him to participate in the Big Bash League instead of a bilateral series. This flexibility marked a notable shift in South Africa's selection policy, which typically mandates player involvement in international matches ahead of key tournaments. The move paid off, as de Kock emerged as South Africa's top run-scorer during the T20 World Cup, playing a crucial role in their journey to the final.

Since then, de Kock has participated in various leagues, including the MLC and CPL, and is slated to play in the SA20 and IPL, all of which keep him eligible for national selection. However, Walter emphasized that de Kock's place in the team is not assured. "Any potential discussion doesn't automatically guarantee selection," he clarified. "We need to provide him the space to pursue league cricket and fulfil his personal needs. The performance will be key moving forward."

Walter did not set a timeline for de Kock to make a definitive choice about his international career. Meanwhile, South Africa continues to develop talent such as Reeza Hendricks for the opening position, with options like Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton, and Heinrich Klaasen available as wicketkeepers. Out of these, only Klaasen is currently not included in the squads for the upcoming matches against Afghanistan and Ireland, owing to personal issues. Walter confirmed, "He’s dealing with some family matters right now. Once that situation changes, he will return to playing."