SA’s bid to recreate IPL magic

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 17

Having won the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Mumbai Indians earlier this year, newly-appointed South Africa captain for T20Is Quinton de Kock feels the experience of playing in the cash-rich league will come in handy during the ongoing T20I series against hosts India.

“It is like playing at my second home,” de Kock said on the eve of their T20I match at IS Bindra PCA Stadium here.

After the first T20I match between the two sides at Dharamsala was washed out, both South Africa and India will be keen to take the lead when they clash tomorrow.

After the IPL final, de Kock had said the triumph with Mumbai Indians was the biggest achievement of his career, and the 26-year-old stuck to his comment today.

“I still feel the same. It’s the biggest thing I have won so far. The IPL title is a big achievement for any cricketer. As cricketers we want to be part of the IPL finals and the World Cup finals. Everyone has an opinion. My opinion is mine. It is the biggest thing I have achieved so far,” said de Kock.

Asked about his role as a captain in the absence of a senior players like Faf du Plessis, he said: “I am not too concerned to be honest. It is a new stepping stone in my career and brings in extra responsibility to play a dual role. Not sure if it would affect me negatively or positively.”

Meanwhile, it’s sort of a homecoming for the newly-appointed Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour as well. The 50-year-old represented both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh during his First-Class career.

“Early days! I was laughing that my debut game (as batting coach) was washed out at home (in Dharamsala). Punjab is also home. I have been part of the system as a national selector from 2012 to 2016. I have seen and worked with most of them… This is a different job, but coaching is something I really enjoy,” said Rathour.