Quinton de Kock gets emotional before last ODI at home, says "My body tells me I'm 40."

Quinton De Kock has thus far played 144 ODIs for South Africa, scoring 6149 runs.

Speaking before his farewell ODI at home against Australia, Quinton de Kock became emotional. South Africa and Australia are clashing in the fifth and final ODI in Johannesburg on September 17, 2023, with the five-match ODI series level at 2-2.

After the 2023 World Cup in India, the South African wicket-keeper confirmed that he would stop playing 50-overs cricket. Proteas are currently taking part in their final ODI at home prior to the major tournament.

Speaking at Wanderers Stadium before the series decider against the Aussies, Quinton de Kock said that even though he is 31 years old, his body feels like that of a 40-years-old man. He added that he mentally tries to stay like a 20-years-old all the time.

"It was just the feeling I was getting. At the end of my test career, I was fighting to play. 50 tests were a lot and could take a toll on you. I gave it a thought and chatted with people I trust. They said there's no shame in retiring and focusing on other formats. There were many memories made between the ages of 10 and 11. My body tells me I'm 40, my ID says I'm 31, but I still mentally try to act like I am 20 all the time," De Kock was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Back in 2021, Quinton de Kock announced a sudden retirement from test cricket during India series but has confirmed he will continue to play in T20Is for South Africa, especially with the 2024 T20 World Cup on the horizon.

"There's a lot of money in T20s" - Quinton de Kock on playing in T20 leagues

Quinton de Kock revealed that the financial security of playing in different T20 leagues led to his making the decision to retire from longer international formats.

The 31-years-old finished by noting that while he might have given up the longer formats five years ago to capitalise on the expansion of T20 leagues, he is now willing to devote more time to the shorter format because his performances are slipping.

De Kock stated, "I won't deny the effect of franchise cricket on my game and decision. I try to keep my loyalty, and I think I've represented my Proteas badge really well. There's a lot of money in T20s, and guys try to get a top-up. Any guy would do that anyway.

I think I'd have done it five years ago, when it really took off. Now that I'm on the downslope in my career, I'll take it. I'll take a gap year after my career and go back into normal society."

Quinton De Kock has thus far played 144 ODIs, scoring 6149 runs at an average of 44.88 and scoring 17 centuries with a best score of 178.