De Kock was once again omitted from the Proteas squad and will not be playing in the upcoming T20 International series against India on home soil.

The series against India will see the return of some of South Africa’s premium players such as Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, as well as Keshav Maharaj.

In addition, the fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen will return following two months of rehabilitation and the conditioning block, to manage the players.

Gerald Coetzee. Photo: Cricinfo

Mihlali Mpongwana has earned a maiden call-up, while Lutho Sipamla will only be available for the 3rd and 4th T20 Internationals.

De Kock hasn’t announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, however, he does not play One-Day International or Test cricket for South Africa anymore.

The Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter said he is also in the dark regarding De Kock’s availability to play international cricket for South Africa, however, he is not going to push the player to make a decision on his future.

“Good ol’ Quinny - it’s hard to get through a press conference these days without being asked about Quinny,” said Walter.

“Yeah, Quinny’s status is as it has been for the last couple of months. I continue to leave the ball in his court at this stage. I’ve allowed him to have his space and to not be involved in international cricket.

“So, we’re in exactly the same position. If he does want to play for South Africa again and he feels ready, then we’ll have that conversation. But for now, he’s not part of our selection conversations.”

The first T20 International between South Africa and the World Champions will be played next week Friday at Kingsmead in Durban.

Proteas T20I squad against India - Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg