New Delhi: Quinton de Kock walked into the second T20I in Mullanpur with a point to prove after failing to score in the opening T20I match in Cuttack and he delivered exactly that. The South African wicketkeeper-batter switched gears and produced a blistering 90 that completely changed the tone of the Proteas innings. He had already hammered a century in the ODI leg of the tour and this knock simply underlined a player in rhythm.
He kept India chipping away at the other end. Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram couldn’t find any real flow but De Kock seemed to be batting on a different surface. It’s beautiful to watch him bat, and his timing came naturally. Boundary options kept opening up, and the left-hander looked as assured as ever. At a time when South Africa needed someone to take charge, he did exactly that and gave them a great start.
De Kock’s 46-ball stay was picked with five fours and seven clean sixes and most of them struck with that familiar mix of elegance and power. By the time he walked back to the dugout, he was striking at almost 200. No other South African batter has ever scored a strike rate of 150, which tells you how much he carried the innings on his own shoulders. Jitesh Sharma with quick hands got him to break Proteas momentum.
Quinton de Kock has played brilliantly for his 90, he helps South Africa to post fighting total.
But this is going to be too easy for India under lights with dew, Africa can challenge only with this total, they can’t win it.pic.twitter.com/qOlFXa34JH
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) December 11, 2025
De Kock’s timely reminder before auction
What this really means for his IPL 2026 auction prospects is interesting. He wasn’t even in the initial list for the December 16 mini-auction after a subdued season with Kolkata Knight Riders last year. But demands from the multiple franchises got his name added in the list and his innings like this only push his stock higher. A reliable keeper, an attacking top-order choice and someone with a wealth of experience, something teams already know exactly the value he brings.
So far, he has played for six IPL sides- Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi, RCB, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants and KKR. Over the years, he has scored 3309 runs in 115 matches at a strike rate of 134.02. With a base price of 1 crore, De Kock could well be one of the names to trigger an early bidding tussle.
De Kock to attract attention
Quinton de Kock will come up in Set 3 among other uncapped wicketkeepers, including Jonny Bairstow, Finn Allen and Jamie Smith. With his current form, franchises will definitely look to add an explosive opener who doubles as a dependable gloveman in their squad.
After his statement knock, he stands as one of the clearest players who could make headlines in the auction with his form, confidence and intent in the right place.
South Africa post 213 against India
De Kock’s blistering knock took the Proteas to 213 for four against the Men in Blue in the second T20I in Mullanpur Stadium. The opener went hammer and tongs as he scored a 46-ball 90, including seven sixes and five boundaries after being asked to bat first.
Donovan Ferreira and David Miller provided the final touch with unbeaten 30 and 20, respectively. As India is set to begin the chase, will they be able to tighten their grip in the series, or will South Africa shine with the ball as well to level the series?