Published 19:57 IST, September 10th 2019

South Africa to move on from Faf DuPlessis as De Kock takes over reins

South Africa's cricket establishment acknowledges Faf du Plessis' contribution both as a player and captain but it's about time they look ahead as De Kock leads

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South Africa's cricket establishment ackwledges Faf du Plessis' contribution both as a player and captain but it's about time y look at future with belief in Quinton de Kock's leership skills, Interim Director Ech Nkwe said on Tuesday. While 35-year-old Du Plessis is still captain of Test side, Nkwe gave eugh indications that South Africa wants to infuse fresh blood going into next year's World T20 in Australia. Failure to win in India is "t going to be end of world" for South Africa, feels team's Pep Guardiola-inspired interim team director, Ech Nkwe. In a role that is all-encompassing, Nkwe, 36, is national cricket team's he coach, selector, and team manr, with or members of support staff reporting directly to him.

"We kw where Faf stands as a captain and as a player. He has done great things for SA cricket. But we also need to look at what future looks like and we strongly believe in Quinton, who is going to be leing team going forward," Nkwe told reporters with skipper by his side during ir inaugural media interaction at picturesque HPCA ground.   "We have a good leer and it's an opportunity to start building for future," he ded.

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Start of a new chapter for coach Nkwe

While mitting that India is a formidable team, Nkwe is confident that this upcoming three-match T20 International series, beginning on Sunday, will help m assess Proteas. "It's start of a new chapter and focus will be coming series against India. We would be looking to lay a good foundation going into T20 World Cup next year in Australia," Nkwe, who has played 42 first-class games for Gauteng, said.  "We still have a lot of games and have about 20 games (going into World T20) and we will assess situation accordingly after se three games. n build up for England series and so on."

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De Kock's experience in India will be crucial

De Kock's experience of having played in India multiple times will be of great help, feels Nkwe. "We have got a group of guys with good eugh experience and captain himself has played a lot of cricket in India. We have fresh blood that has come into squ and that's exciting and we will remain competitive," Nkwe said, exuding confidence. However, he h problems in mitting that India will be formidable in ir own backyard. "Yes, we want to walk away with a series win and hope entire squ is very determined. We are here to win and we understand that India's position is strong in ir backyard but we are going to give a hundred %," Interim Director ded. De Kock, on his part, feels that aptability is key and believes Dharamsala track will help batsmen.  "I have been here before but haven't played here. last time we were here, wicket did play very well," he said.  "I think Rohit actually got a hundred here but we ended up chasing it down. So from one game that I have experienced over here, could be a good wicket. But we are coming into unkwn and we would like to apt very quickly." 

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19:21 IST, September 10th 2019