Share

Kallis eyes last hurrah

New Delhi - Veteran South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis has vowed to defy age and history, saying he wants to win the 2015 World Cup for his country before calling it a day.

Since their post-apartheid debut in cricket's one-day showpiece in 1992, South Africa have never made it to the World Cup final, famously wilting under pressure several times despite boasting some hugely talented teams.

Kallis, 36, who is playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL), said he was confident he would remain fit for the next World Cup to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

"My primary target is to help Team Kolkata win the IPL. But when it comes to international commitments, I want to win the World Cup for South Africa," Kallis told the Times of India on Monday.

"In my cricketing career, I have achieved all success, but the only thing that has eluded me is the World Cup."

Kallis, who has figured in five World Cups, can draw inspiration from Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar, who was part of his country's World Cup-winning side last year on his sixth and probably last attempt at the age of 37.

The South African all-rounder, who has scored 12,379 runs in 152 Tests and 11,498 runs in 321 one-day internationals, said he had not thought of quitting the game and his aim was to stay fit.

He has also grabbed 276 Test and 270 one-day wickets.

"No, I have no such plans (to retire)," said Kallis, who was part of the South African side that lost to New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final in Dhaka.

"I think I still have three to four years of cricket left in me. As of now, I have no such intentions. This IPL is important for me as far as fitness is concerned.

"All my life, I have walked on to the field as a fully fit cricketer, and I want to maintain it throughout. My aim is to stay fit during the IPL and then focus on other commitments."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE