SA vs WI Live: Why is Quinton de Kock Not Playing Today?

Quinton de Kock not playing SA vs WI: In a massive update coming in from today’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match, experienced wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock is not playing for South Africa against West Indies. The 18th match in the ongoing edition of the competition is being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has won the toss and opted to field first.

Why is Quinton de Kock Not Playing Today?

After winning the toss in their second T20 World Cup 2021 match, South African skipper Temba Bavuma came up with a disappointing news that senior opener Quinton de Kock has made himself unavailable due to personal reason for this game against West Indies. Incidentally, de Kock has a brilliant against West Indies in the limited-overs format and his absence is a big setback for South Africa. In his absence, right-handed batter Reeza Hendricks has been included in the Proteas playing 11.

It is also being learnt that Quinton de Kock pulled out due to Cricket South Africa (CSA) recent decision saying that they had “unanimously agreed to issue a directive” that all players should take a knee before matches. The star wicket-keeper batter was always in a disagreement towards this gesture and it will now be interesting to see whether de Kock will play further in this tournament for South Africa or not.

“We are going to have a bowl. I think just having a look at the wicket, it has been challenging for us to know what a good score is, so we want to have a look. We take out a lot (from the series win against West Indies), all the positives and all the negatives. We know what a power-packed side they are, looking at our performances we know where we can cool them down. (Area of focus) Probably the batting. I think that would be the one I would highlight and like to show a better batting display. Quinny is out and Reeza is in. He (de Kock) has made himself unavailable for personal reasons,” said South Africa captain Temba Bavuma at the toss.

SA Playing 11 (Confirmed)
Reeza Hendricks
Temba Bavuma
Aiden Markram
Rassie van der Dussen
David Miller
Heinrich Klaasen
Dwaine Pretorius
Keshav Maharaj
Kagiso Rabada
Tabraiz Shamsi
Anrich Nortje

SA vs WI, ICC T20 World Cup 2021

On the other hand, West Indies have also made one change to their playing XI after the disappointing loss against England in the previous game. Right-arm pacer Obed McCoy misses out and leg-spinner Hayden Walsh has been included in the West Indies team.

WI Playing 11 (likely)
Evin Lewis
Lendl Simmons
Chris Gayle
Shimron Hetmyer
Nicholas Pooran
Dwayne Bravo
Kieron Pollard
Andre Russell
Akeal Hosein
Ravi Rampaul
Hayden Walsh