South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is doubtful for his team’s upcoming Test match against New Zealand in Hamilton and the Indian Premier League after sustaining tendon damage to his right index finger, reported ESPNCricinfo on Thursday.
The Proteas will take a call on de Kock’s availability with extra strapping for the Hamilton Test. However, de Kock may not be able to play for his IPL side Delhi Daredevils as the injury needs at least five to six weeks to heal.
“There is every likelihood he will miss the IPL because he will need at least four to six weeks recovery. Being a wickerkeeper, every time he catches the ball, the stress goes onto that area,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, who is also a medical doctor, told ESPNCricinfo. “The risk is that if he doesn’t have that four to six weeks rest, and he further aggravates it, it could jeopardise his participation in the Champions Trophy. With that in mind and with the England tour after that, its important we give him the allocated time to recover for the injury.”
De Kock could then become the second South African player to pull out of the tournament after his teammate JP Duminy also pulled out, citing personal reasons.