DD's Quinton de Kock ruled out of the IPL 2017

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has been declared fit to play in third and final Test against New Zealand but has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. De Kock passed the required fitness on Friday in order to play in Hamilton but will not feature for the Delhi Daredevils.

Although the hosts New Zealand have suffered key blows to their side with three of their primary players being sidelined for this game, the Proteas will be pleased to have de Kock back in the squad. The management took the decision to field him for the match but he will need to rest during the IPL in order to recover fully before the Champions Trophy in England which is due to begin in June this year.

The 24-year-old had picked up an injury on the tendon of his right index finger. Nevertheless, he has recovered sufficiently in order to play on Saturday. The wicketkeeper is still believed to be in pain as he went into the pre-match net practice with the injured finger well strapped.

With three of South Africa’s top order batsmen failing to score big runs, de Kock’s inclusion in the team will be a big reinforcement. Skipper Faf du Plessis, however, insisted that de Kock be included into the playing XI as the visitors will look to make the most of the in form wicketkeeper-batsman.

“It’s a big game. Quinton is someone who you don’t just replace. From my side, I am trying to have Quinton in my team all the time.” du Plessis said ahead of the final game of the three-Test series.

Faf also went on to add, “Maybe the cold New Zealand conditions make it worse. It’s hurting for him a bit more now but because it’s a big game, resting him for someone else is not an option.”

The Proteas currently lead the series 1-0, having defeated New Zealand by 8 wickets in the second Test. They will look to cap off the season with a victory against a depleted Black Caps side.