Quinton de Kock helped the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to register their first win of the Indian Premier League 2025. The wicketkeeper batter played a brilliant unbeaten inning of 61-ball 97* while chasing down 152 runs against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their second match of the ongoing tournament.
De Kock's unbeaten match-winning knock helped the Ajinkya Rahane-led side to defeat RR by eight wickets at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The South Africa star was in red-hot form as he smashed eight fours and six sixes. After KKR's win, he was awarded Player of the Match for his iconic performance.
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After KKR's win, when De Kock was going back to the KKR dressing room, he was greeted by RR head coach Rahul Dravid who patted him on the shoulder in appreciation of the match-winning knock.
Dravid, who got injured while playing for Vijaya Cricket Club during a Karnataka State Cricket Association League match before the IPL 2025, can be seen walking with the help of crutches to meet De Kock.
The former South Africa wicketkeeper batter was picked by KKR in IPL 2025 mega auction. He was the part of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the last edition of the tournament.
“I love meeting new people, being in new environments. It is about finding your feet within the team. Sometimes the team accepts you later, but here with KKR they have accepted me already with open arms, so it feels good," Quinton de Kock said during the post-match presentation.
After winning the clash against RR, KKR will now face Mumbai Indians for their third clash of the tournament. On the other hand, RR will face Chennai Super Kings for their upcoming IPL 2025 clash.