"It Was About Winning The Way I Know": De Kock Credits Situational Awareness After Guwahati Win

On March 26 (Wednesday), Rajasthan Royals (RR) lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets at stand-in skipper Riyan Parag’s home stadium - Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

Batting on a sticky wicket, Rajasthan batters could only score 151/9 with only Dhruv Jurel scoring more than 30 runs. Spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali were superb, picking up four wickets for just 40 in their eight overs.

In the chase, KKR didn’t face much trouble at all as Quinton de Kock, who is retired from ODIs and Tests, took the mantle in his hand and helped KKR complete the chase in the 18th over with him missing his century by just three runs. 

“It's nice to get my opportunity; I wanted to make it count,” De Kock said at the post-match presentation. He also added that he hasn’t faced many post-retirement challenges and batted according to the situation in this game, finishing the chase at a sensible tempo. 

“To be fair, haven't felt any challenges yet (On post International retirement challenges). Have had 3 months off which felt nice. I had about a 10 day build-up to this season. Only my second game here, just taking it as I see it. Luckily, we batted second so I could watch the wicket and see how the ball was behaving. Just played the situation of the game. The IPL is known for big sixes and big scores, but that wasn't the moment for me. It was just about winning it the way I know it.”

De Kock also said that NRR wasn’t a point of conversation at any stage. 

“Not the type of wicket for that kind of game (If NRR conversation required), the ball was turning and stopping,” the wicketkeeper batter said. 

“It was a working man's wicket, it we get an opportunity at a better wicket then surely that will be a chat, but today it was all about getting down and winning it.”

Meanwhile, RR skipper felt that his team fell short by 20 runs. Riyan Parag also defended the team’s decision to bat him at number three and felt that as a professional, it shouldn’t be a point of concern for him. 

“170 was going to be a really good score. That's what we were aiming for,” Parag said. 

“I personally rushed a little bit knowing the wicket here. Fell short by 20 runs. That was the plan, to get Quinny out early, but that didn't happen. So, we shifted to containing in the middle overs. He played really well, so kudos to him.”

“(On If he’s okay to bat at No. 3?) Last year, the team wanted me to bat No. 4, I was happy to do that. This year, they want me to bat No. 3, so I need to be professional to bat wherever the team wants me to, so I am okay with that. We are doing well in small phases. We take the learning. We'll come to Chennai with a fresh mindset.”