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Mumbai Indians' Lucky Break: How They Snagged Quinton de Kock at Base Price

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene expressed his delight at securing Quinton de Kock. He admitted the franchise got a bit lucky to get him at his base price. Jayawardene emphasized that de Kock adds crucial depth to the top of the batting order. The South African wicketkeeper brings a wealth of IPL experience back to a franchise where he's previously won a title.

Key Points: Mahela Jayawardene on Mumbai Indians Signing Quinton de Kock

  • Jayawardene highlights the importance of strengthening the team's top batting order
  • De Kock returns to MI with vast IPL experience and over 3,300 runs
  • The South African recently reversed his international retirement for white-ball cricket
  • The deal provides Mumbai Indians with greater flexibility in their playing XI combinations
2 min read

We were lucky: Mumbai Indians head coach delighted after base-price deal for Quinton de Kock

Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene calls the base-price deal for Quinton de Kock a lucky break, adding crucial top-order depth for the IPL season.

"We were lucky (laughs). Quinny was part of MI in most of the franchises and also in the past. - Mahela Jayawardene"

Abu Dhabi, December 16

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene expressed his delight after the franchise acquired South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock at his base price of Rs 1 crore during the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

Reacting to the signing, Jayawardene admitted that Mumbai Indians (MI) benefitted from a bit of fortune on the day.

"We were lucky (laughs). Quinny (Quinton de Kock) was part of MI in most of the franchises and also in the past," he said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

The former Sri Lanka captain highlighted the importance of strengthening the top order and adding depth to the squad.

"Wanted to ensure we have depth in that crucial spot at the top of the order. Gives us flexibility in the playing XI," Jayawardene added.

De Kock previously enjoyed successful stints with Mumbai Indians and brings with him vast IPL experience, something the franchise will hope to capitalise on in the upcoming season.

The South African wicketkeeper has played 43 matches for the Mumbai Indians and has scored 1,329 runs at an average of 34.08, SR of 131.32 with 10 fifties.

De Kock recently reversed his white-ball international retirement and returned to the South African setup.

He has scored 2,706 runs in 99 T20Is for South Africa at an average of 30.40 and a strike rate of over 139, including one century and 17 half-centuries, making him the country's highest run-getter in the format. In overall T20 cricket, he has amassed 11,543 runs in 416 matches at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of over 138, with seven centuries and 76 fifties to his name.

In the IPL, De Kock has scored 3,309 runs in 115 matches while representing teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He averages 30.63 in the league with a strike rate above 134, including two centuries and 24 fifties. He endured a poor season with KKR last year, scoring 152 runs in eight matches at an average of 21.71, with a strike rate of nearly 130 and a highest score of 97 not out. De Kock is also an IPL title winner with the Mumbai Indians.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is great for the league. De Kock at base price adds so much value. Hope he finds his form again. His experience will be crucial for a young Indian batting lineup around him.
A
Ananya R
Honestly, I'm a bit surprised. He had a very poor season with KKR last year. Is he past his prime? MI might be taking a gamble here. Hope it pays off for the team's sake.
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Vikram M
Jayawardene is right to call it luck. No other franchise even bidding for him at that price is shocking. His stats for MI are solid. Coming back to a familiar environment could bring back the old Quinny. 🤞
K
Karthik V
This is why MI is a successful franchise. They identify value and back players who have done well for them before. Welcome back, QDK! The Paltan is happy.
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Priya S
Good move. With him returning to the South African team, he will have match practice and confidence. At base price, it's a low-risk, high-reward signing. Perfect for the balance of the team.

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