Taking the knee (or taking a knee) is a symbolic act of anti-racism in which a person kneels on one knee instead of standing to attention for an anthem or other event. It gained momentum in 2016 when Colin Kaepernick, an American football player, in opposition to the racial inequality and police brutality, kneeled on one knee to protest against it. From there on, taking a knee has turned into a huge movement and has been used at various events to oppose racial inequality.
Quinton De Kock, the South African ace batsman, and wicket-keeper came into the limelight following his withdrawal from the T20 world cup match in refusal to take the knee during the match. His reason for withdrawing from the match was due to personal reasons after Cricket South Africa made it compulsory for the players to take the knee.
This act of his was not received well from a lot of people worldwide. Even his own teammates were quoted saying that the decision of De Kock came as a surprise to them as well.
But it did not take long enough for Quinton to issue an apology and get back together with his teammates. In his apology, he stated that he was “deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger” that was caused due to him. The board and his team welcomed his decision and he was ready to roll from the next match onwards.
