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This 'Lion' wants to feast on Mumbai Indians again

South Africa's Quinton de Kock had starred when Highveld Lions beat Mumbai in last year's Champions League T20.

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Circa October 14, 2012. Mumbai Indians are looking good to win their Champions League Twenty20 opener at the Wanderers. But a 20-year-old Quinton de Kock has different plans. The South African smashes an unbeaten half-century and adds 121 runs for the third wicket with senior compatriot Neil McKenzie to steer Highveld Lions to an eight-wicket win.

Circa 2013. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who represents Sunrisers Hyderabad, wants to spoil Mumbai’s party when the two sides meet at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

“It’s been amazing playing in my first IPL. I have only been here for a while but it’s been enjoyable.

I have played well against Mumbai in the past. I like to enjoy myself and play my cricket. But my selection for tomorrow’s game depends on the conditions. However, I am definitely looking forward to playing,” he says.

Ask him about the experience of keeping wickets in the subcontinent, he says, “The conditions are very different here. Back home, there’s a lot more bounce. In India, the wickets are slower and lower than expected.”

And when the bowler is Dale Steyn, things get even tougher. “It is tough keeping for Steyn, but I have done it before. So it’s not that tough, after all. Plus, standing away from the stumps helps me see where he is going to land the ball. I prepare myself accordingly,” he says.

So how did wicketkeeping happen to him? “In my younger days, I used to be a bowler. I don’t remember how I started keeping wickets but it was the need of the hour for my team. And I took it up. There’s been no looking back,” he says.

Touted as the next big thing in South African cricket, de Kock has been hailed by many as Mark Boucher’s successor. And the youngster was lucky enough to be mentored by Boucher himself. “I had an interesting interaction with Boucher. Even in wicketkeeping, more than technique, it’s the ability to handle pressure that is more important. Boucher shared a few tips in this regard during a camp ahead of the New Zealand series,” he reveals.

In an interview, South Africa coach Gary Kirsten said, “Everyone is excited about (de Kock’s) ability.

It is almost like when Boucher came through 17 years ago.”

It’s still early days, but de Kock hopes to make it big very soon. “I just hope I live up to and, if possible, exceed expectations.”

And he is all praise for Kirsten. “Kirsten is indeed very inspiring as a person and coach. He is relaxed and makes us relax. So there is no pressure playing under him. He kind of brings out the best in you.” Yeah, we in India know that.

Known to be a big hitter, de Kock is comfortable playing as an opener. He hopes his ‘dry’ run comes to an end very soon. He steered the Lions to victory in the South African T20 championship and he hopes to do it for the Sunrisers too. “Given an opportunity, I am confident I can do well. We have a balanced side and I am sure we can go all the way.”

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