Quinton de Kock Reverses ODI Retirement, Named in South Africa Squad for Pakistan Tour
- Quinton de Kock reverses his ODI retirement and returns to South Africa’s white-ball squads for the Pakistan tour.
- Temba Bavuma ruled out of the Test series with a calf injury; Aiden Markram to captain the red-ball side.
- Simon Harmer returns to the Test setup; Keshav Maharaj only available for the 2nd Test.
- David Miller to lead T20Is, while Matthew Breetzke captains the ODI team.
In a stunning turn of events, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has returned to South Africa’s white-ball squads for the upcoming Pakistan tour, reversing his decision to retire from ODIs. Meanwhile, the Proteas will be without their regular skipper Temba Bavuma, who has been sidelined from the Test series due to a calf injury. Aiden Markram has been named captain for the two-Test series.
De Kock, who had earlier announced his retirement from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup in India, was last seen in national colours during the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados, where South Africa fell short against India. His comeback adds depth and experience to South Africa’s batting lineup in what is expected to be a fiercely contested tour.
Squad Highlights
Apart from de Kock’s surprise return, South Africa’s selectors have made a few notable calls. Veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer is back in the Test squad despite not featuring in red-ball cricket since March 2023. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj is still recovering from injury and will only be available for the second Test.
In Bavuma’s absence, Markram will lead the Proteas in Tests, while the white-ball formats will see a split captaincy. David Miller has been appointed skipper for the T20I series, and rising star Matthew Breetzke will lead the ODI team.
This bold strategy reflects South Africa’s focus on building squad depth while balancing experience with youth.
South Africa Squads for Pakistan Tour
Test squad: Aiden Markram (c), 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.
ODI squad: Matthew Breetzke (c), 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.
T20I squad: David Miller (c), 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.
Tour Schedule – South Africa in Pakistan 2025
- 1st Test: Oct 12–16, Lahore
- 2nd Test: Oct 20–24, Rawalpindi
- 1st T20I: Oct 28, Rawalpindi
- 2nd T20I: Oct 31, Lahore
- 3rd T20I: Nov 1, Lahore
- 1st ODI: Nov 4, Faisalabad
- 2nd ODI: Nov 6, Faisalabad
- 3rd ODI: Nov 8, Faisalabad
What It Means for South Africa
De Kock’s comeback brings stability to the top order, particularly in ODIs where his experience will be crucial against Pakistan’s fiery bowling attack. Meanwhile, the Test team will be hoping Markram can step up as captain in Bavuma’s absence and guide the side through challenging subcontinental conditions.
With young talents like Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke being trusted with leadership roles, this tour is also seen as a big step in shaping the future core of South African cricket.
