spot_img

Quinton de Kock rested for domestic T20 due to mental health concerns

South African white-ball skipper Quinton de Kock has been rested for the upcoming domestic T20 completion citing mental health reasons. Cricket South Africa has rested the wicket-keeper-batsman on the basis of medical advice from the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA).

De Kock has been part of multiple bio-bubbles enforced by the pandemic. He has been part of the secure bubbles in UAE, South Africa, and Pakistan since September 2020. The last couple of months have been taxing for the South African wicketkeeper batsman since he captained the Test series against Pakistan.

Before touring Pakistan, the South African questioned the bubble life and described it as unsettling and stressful for International cricketers. De Kock further stated that he has mixed feelings about touring the country due to frustrations of being confined to a bio-secure environment.

Moreover, De Kock was heavily criticised during test series defeat against Pakistan. The criticism was largely aimed at his captaincy and batting form.

SACA’s Chief Executive, Andrew Breetzke said, “De Kock would take time off from the game for a few weeks. SACA and CSA will continue to support him through this process.”

Earlier this week, CSA’s director of cricket Graeme Smith said all of the country’s contracted players would play in the T20 tournament, as well as the remaining matches in a four-day competition. De Kock and Faf du Plessis are the only exceptions. The reason for the latter’s absence is unknown.

Smith backed Breetzke and said, “We are trying to manage these bubble lives that the players are spending time in, the mental health and welfare of players but we need to do get our national players playing.”

Related Articles

Latest Articles