South African off-spinner Keshav Maharaj described 'take a knee' rebel Quinton de Kock as a man of "calibre" on Friday and claimed the controversy has helped the team "bond and gel even stronger".<\/p>\r\n\r\n
De Kock, one of South Africa's star players at the Twenty20 World Cup, sensationally withdrew from the team for Tuesday's game against West Indies after refusing a demand from Cricket South Africa that all players take a knee at the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After a tense stand-off, the 28-year-old De Kock eventually apologised and said he would be happy to join teammates in making the anti-racism gesture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so," he said in a statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Maharaj insisted that the fall-out from the controversy, which for many highlighted once again South African sport's uncomfortable relationship with race and equality, will only make the team stronger.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"This has just made us bond and gel even stronger. You'll probably see a lot more energy than you have seen in these last two games," said Maharaj ahead of Saturday's game against Sri Lanka.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
CSA ordered all their players to take a knee after pictures from their opening World Cup game against Australia showed them adopting various positions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- 'Not a big thing' -
\r\nSome kneeled, some kneeled with a fist raised, some stood with a clenched fist in the air while others stood but with their arms around their backs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
De Kock chose the latter gesture just as he had done during South Africa's Test series in the West Indies in June.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I think we've had endless chats about this as a team and we respect everyone's decisions and views and opinions. For us it's not a big thing," added Maharaj.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We know everyone supports one another, and I think that's the way forward in this team. I think respect is one of our pillars, and I think that's where we all stand, too."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
De Kock played in the first match, a five-wicket defeat to Australia where he made just seven runs opening the batting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In his absence, South Africa beat West Indies by eight wickets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It remains to be seen whether De Kock, who has made 10,000 international runs and is a former national captain, returns to the starting line-up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"That's down to the selectors in terms of whether he starts or not tomorrow, but I know that if he does get the opportunity, he'll definitely slot back into the team," said Maharaj.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"A person of his calibre, we know what Quinny can do with the bat, and he puts match-winning knocks on."<\/p>\r\n\r\n