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De Kock: No Favourites in T20 World Cup, Matches Can Turn in Overs

South African opener Quinton de Kock has dismissed the idea of favourites in the T20 World Cup, emphasizing the format's inherent unpredictability. He stated that matches can be dramatically altered within just two to three overs by a single individual's performance. De Kock made these remarks ahead of the crucial Super 8 clash between South Africa and India in Ahmedabad. He also noted that playing their group-stage matches at the same venue has helped the Proteas become familiar with the local conditions.

Key Points: De Kock Says No Favourites in T20 World Cup Before India Clash

  • T20 World Cups are unpredictable
  • Matches can turn quickly in just a few overs
  • No team can be labelled a favourite
  • South Africa familiar with Ahmedabad conditions
2 min read

No team can be favourites in T20 World Cup, matches can turn in overs: De Kock ahead of Super 8 clash against India

South Africa's Quinton de Kock highlights T20 World Cup unpredictability ahead of Super 8 match vs India, stating games can change in a few overs.

"I think the nature of World Cups is that it doesn't allow favouritism... games can be changed in a matter of two to three overs by just one individual. - Quinton de Kock"

Ahmedabad, February 21

South African opening batter Quinton de Kock said T20 World Cups are unpredictable, making it hard to label any team as a favourite. He noted that games can change in just a few overs due to one player's performance, so even teams or players performing well now aren't guaranteed victory in matches.

South Africa are set to play India in both teams' first Super 8 match of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.

De Kock, when asked if he thinks the Proteas are the best team to play India or rather beat them in the finals, said that the nature of World Cups doesn't allow favourites, because the matches can turn from any point in time.

"No, I don't think so. I think the nature of World Cups is that it doesn't allow favouritism at some point, because at any moment of time in a game, someone can win a game out of nowhere. So that's the thing, it's quite a fickle game, especially T20 World Cups, because games can be changed in a matter of two to three overs by just one individual, so I wouldn't say anyone's really favourite because there's some really good teams going forward now. Maybe one or two guys are playing better cricket, but it doesn't mean in the future games they're going to win. That's just because of the fickleness of the T20 World Cups," de Kock said, speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the India clash, according to ICC website.

Notably, South Africa played three of their four T20 WC 2026 group-stage matches in Ahmedabad, winning them all. Ahead of the India vs South Africa T20 WC 2026 Super 8s match, also at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, de Kock said playing at the venue earlier in the tournament has helped South Africa become familiar with the conditions.

"Yes, it does, I think it does help quite a bit. We've played a day game and a night game, so we kind of understand the conditions," de Kock added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Respect to de Kock for such a balanced view. South Africa is a strong team, no doubt. But our boys have the talent and the home crowd support. It's going to be a nail-biter! May the best team win. 🤞
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Rohit P
True, there are no favourites in T20. But honestly, our batting lineup looks more solid on paper. If our top order fires, it will be very difficult for any bowling attack. Fingers crossed for Sunday!
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I appreciate his humility. South Africa has had a great run here in Ahmedabad already. They know the pitch. It won't be an easy match for India at all. A very diplomatic answer from de Kock.
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Vikram M
He's just trying to take the pressure off his team! Of course there are favourites, and India is one of them, especially at home. We have the most balanced side. This is our cup to lose. #BleedBlue
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Karthik V
With all due respect to a great player like de Kock, I feel our media focuses too much on what the opposition says. We should just back our team quietly. The pressure of expectations is sometimes our biggest opponent. Let the boys play freely.
N

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