Kallis aims for one last World Cup push

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."

First Published: Apr 09, 2012 15:27 IST