Top Comment/ 'It’s sad to..': Heinrich Klassen drops subtle hints on Quinton De Kock reversing his ODI retirement

South Africa's brilliant start to the Cricket World Cup campaign has made them a favourites this time. The Proteas hammered Bangladesh by 149 runs to register their fourth win in the tournament. Having only lost to the Netherlands, the Proteas are adamant to make their amends this time around.

Heinrich Klaasen makes a major statement on De Kock's retirement

It has been a special World Cup for Quinton de Kock who already has hit the pinnacle of his career. The Lucknow Super Giants wicketkeeper registered his third World Cup hundred against Bangladesh as he is also the highest run getter in the tournament currently. But the 30-year-old already let the world know of his intention to retire from the ODI format after the completion of the World Cup.

De Kock's South African colleague Heinrich Klaasen admitted it would be tough to force De Kock to reverse his retirement decision. In an interaction with Star Sports the destructive batsman said,"It’s going to be tough to convince him not to retire. He has been phenomenal for us and he has been great for South Africa over the years. It’s sad to see him leave, but hopefully, he will leave on a good note. He has been brilliant for us in the tournament."

Heinrich Klaasen and Quinton de Kock have been in rich vein of form

Both Klaasen and De Kock have been South Africa's flagbearers in the tournament. They have now posted four 300+ scores in the last five matches. Klaasen has amassed 288 runs in five matches while De Kock has accumulated a whopping 407 runs in five matches so far. South Africa will now face Pakistan in their next World Cup game. A win in this match would virtually seal a semifinal place for the Proteas.