Young South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock feels more at home with Delhi Daredevils than his previous IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad.
De Kock, who has been fielded as a specialist batsman so far, said he was comfortable with the South African coaching staff of DD. “The environment in Daredevils is a little bit different than Sunrisers. There were more Australians in the coaching staff.
“At DD, I feel more at home with guys like (coach) Gary (Kirsten) and (assistant coach) Rob Walters,” said de Kock during an interaction at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Thursday.
However, the 21-year-old was honest to admit that DD returning to its home base was not an advantage for him. “As a foreign player this does feel like an away game for me. But, looking at the mental aspect, the local players as well as someone like KP (Kevin Pietersen) will feel more at home here. IPL returning to India will give some edge to the local guys.”
De Kock was impressed with captain Pietersen’s personality and way of handling the affairs. “KP didn’t really scold us. He was actually a little disappointed that we looked lethargic on the field against Sunrisers. KP is a really chilled out guy. I had never met or spoken to him before and people told me that he had a big ego. But that is absolutely not the case and he is very down-to-earth.”
De Kock asserted that DD was getting into the groove and its batsmen were showing signs of improvement. “I don’t think our batting has underperformed. We were a bit sloppy in the first match. We almost managed to chase down 190 in one of the matches. So, the batting is slowly kicking into gear.”
The South African said he was not bothered that he was yet to don the keeper’s gloves in the IPL. “They (coaching staff) are doing what is best for the team. If they think I am a better fielder, then I don’t mind.”
De Kock looked forward to witness the excitement surrounding IPL on Indian soil. “There is more hype about IPL in India. I have only been here for a couple of days and yet to experience that. I think I will get a taste of it for the first time at the Kotla,” he said.
