De Kock eager to shine

Explosive wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock, who normally finds IPL a tough nut to crack, had a rare brilliant season for the then Delhi Daredevils in 2016. He hammered 445 runs in 13 games and although he missed the following season, the Royal Challengers Bangalore picked him for ₹2.8 crore for the 2018 edition.

Sadly, the jinx of IPL returned to haunt the South African, who averages 45.56 in 106 ODIs and 27.71 in 36 T20Is for his country. He mustered a mere 201 runs from his eight outings and was relegated to the bench thereafter. RCB then sold him to Mumbai Indians last October.

While many athletes love to prove a point against their former employers, de Kock said he’s focussed on doing well in the IPL as a whole. “Playing in this tournament, no matter whom we’re playing against or whom I’m playing against, you’re always quite determined to score runs. Whether that’s RCB, Delhi (Capitals), Sunrisers (Hyderabad) — (all of his former IPL teams) — whoever, I’m always quite determined to contribute towards the team and get the team over to a winning side. That’s what my goal is and what I’ll try and do.”

The opener is familiar with the RCB attack, having played them in the nets. “It’s one thing knowing the bowlers (in the nets) and playing against them in a competitive surrounding. It is going to be a different ball game. You’re going to have to assess the wicket first,” he said.