CAPE TOWN — Jacques Kallis was left out of South Africa's squad for the Champions Trophy Thursday after making himself unavailable for personal reasons and will miss a major One-Day International tournament for the first time in nearly two decades, reviving speculation that he is close to retirement. Head selector Andrew Hudson said South Africa's management respected the 37-year-old Kallis' wish to be left out of the 15-man group, but did not disclose his reasons. “That was Jacques' request (to be left out) and we were respectful of that,” Hudson said, adding that it did not necessarily mean Kallis' 17-year, 321-game ODI career was over. “He was and he is a great cricketer for South Africa, but I think it's a little too early to speculate (on his future). But we respect his decision for personal reasons. I'm sure in the next few weeks we'll learn more.” Kallis has limited his ODI appearances in the past few seasons in an attempt to prolong his career and play at the 2015 World Cup, but despite last appearing in a ODI over a year ago, he was still expected to be in the Champions Trophy squad. Batsmen JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis were included after they recovered from injuries to make the squad and AB de Villiers was named as captain. Former limited-overs skipper and opening batsman Graeme Smith also was picked as was South Africa's top bowler, Dale Steyn, while left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso claimed a surprise place for the tournament in England and Wales next month. Kallis decision to make himself unavailable might have been based on his desire to appear at the next World Cup, but, currently playing in the Indian Premier League, his absence came as a surprise. Without Kallis, batsman David Miller earned a place in the squad and Ryan McLaren, Rory Kleinveldt and spinners Robin Peterson and Duminy would provide options as allrounders. South Africa is grouped with India, Pakistan and West Indies for the June 6-23 Champions Trophy, and must now end a 15-year run of disappointments at ODI tournaments without Kallis. Squad: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe. – Agencies
