IPL 2021: Quinton de Kock available for KKR game, confirms Zaheer Khan

Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan has given an update on the availability of Quinton de Kock for their second game in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The defending champions will be looking to open their account this season when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday (April 13).

The five-time champions began their title defence with a narrow two-wicket loss at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore. In de Kock’s absence, Mumbai Indians handed a debut to Chris Lynn who had warmed the bench throughout IPL 2020. The South Africa star had missed the IPL 2021-opener because of serving the mandatory quarantine period.

As Mumbai Indians look to bounce back after the loss in their tournament-opener, they have received a huge boost as Quinton de Kock will be available for the second game. The news was confirmed by Zaheer Khan on Monday. The former India fast-bowler announced that de Kock is out of the quarantine and trained with the team on Sunday.

“Quinton is out of his quarantine. He did his practice session yesterday with the team, [he’s] looking forward to the season. So yes, he’s available for tomorrow’s game,” Zaheer was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Chris Lynn did well in De Kock’s absence

Lynn did well with the bat and top-scored for Mumbai with 49 but his effort was not enough for his team to start the tournament with a win. Asked to bat first, the reigning champions posted a competitive total of 159 for 9 in the allotted 20 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma looked in good touch early on and hit a six and four very early in his innings before a run-out ended his stay for 19.

Mumbai recovered soon and at 135 for 3 in the 16th over, they were looking set to score over 170. However, a five-wicket haul from Harshal Patel dented their hopes. Patel ran through Mumbai’s middle and lower order to restrict them to less than 160. In reply, RCB chased down the total on the very final ball of the innings. AB de Villiers made the difference with the bat for RCB, scoring 48 off just 27 balls to seal the game in his team’s favour.