Proteas coach Ottis Gibson says they won’t be able to replace retired superstar AB de Villiers.
The 34-year-old dropped a bomb on cricket fans last week when he announced his retirement from international cricket.
And even his coach, Gibson, says he was caught off-guard.
Gibson explains: “The announcement came as a shock to me.
“We had a conversation. He called me in the morning before he made the announcement, telling me what he was planning to do.
“We had a long conversation around whether he was making the right decision and he has spoken to the people closest to him and he reckons that he is.”
Of next season’s World Cup campaign and missing their star, the boss adds: “He could have made a huge difference in the World Cup and he knows that.
“We all know that.
“He’s chosen to walk away from the game and it is what it is.
“Yes, it’s disappointing for the country and world cricket that AB de Villiers isn’t playing cricket anymore.
“I don’t believe he can be replaced, but it gives an opportunity for somebody else to put their hand up.”