Sharjah: South Africa Off-Spinner Keshav Maharaj describes ‘taking the knee’ Rebel Quinton de Kock as a “caliber” man on Friday and claiming controversy has helped the “even stronger bond and gel” team.
De Kock, one of the South African star players at the World Cup Twenty20, sensationally withdrew from the team for Tuesday’s match against West Indies after rejecting the request from Cricket South Africa that all players knelt in the tournament.
After a tense defense, the 28-year-old de Kock finally apologized and said that he would gladly join teammates in making anti-racism movements.
Also read I’m Not Racist ‘: Quinton de Kock says he’s fine by taking the knee, available to play for the South African Quinton de Kock in South Africa on Thursday making himself available for his team’s remaining matches from the T20 World Cup, saying him Alright takes the knee if “educates other people” and that he was very hurt because it was called racist because he refused to make a previous movement.
He confirmed that the black life was “if I knelt helped educate others, and made the lives of others better, I was more than happy to do it,” he said in a statement.
Maharaj insisted that the fall of the controversy, which for many people highlighted once again South African’s sports relationships that were uncomfortable with races and equality, would only make the team stronger.
“This has just made us bonds and gels even stronger.
You might see more energy than you see in these last two matches,” Maharaj said ahead of Saturday against Sri Lanka.
CSA ordered all their players to take the knee after the image of their opening world cup game against Australia showed they adopted various positions.
Quinton de Kock statement 📝 https://t.co/VTJE9YUCO6- Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) 1635404474000some kneel, some kneel with boxing that is raised, some stand with clenched boxing in the air while the others stand but with their arms back.
De Kock chose the last movement as he had done during the South African test series in West Indies in June.
“I think we have had an endless chat about this as a team and we respect everyone’s decisions and views and opinions.
For us it’s not a big thing,” added Maharaj.
“We know everyone is supportive, and I think that’s the way forward on this team.
I think respect is one of our pillars, and I think that’s where we all stand up.” De Kock played in the first match, the defeat of the five nuts to Australia where he made only seven running to open a blow.
In his absence, South Africa defeated West Indies with eight goals.
#Proteas Back in Grind # Vuma #Prooty #Bepartofit | @Vumatel https://t.co/6dxetKHJR5- Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) 1635422464000IT still have to be seen whether de Kock, which has made 10,000 run internationally and is a former national captain, returning to the starting line-up.
“It goes down to the voter in terms of whether he starts or not tomorrow, but I know that if he gets a chance, he will definitely put back to the team,” said Maharaj.
“Someone from his caliber, we know what Quinny can do with bats, and he puts the winner knocks.” Maharaj added: “No one is racist in our team.
We all support each other and respect for everyone’s cultural, religious, and spiritual differences.”
T20 WC: De Kock Affair brings South Africa ‘closer’
