The 14th iteration of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will officially start on April 9, with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore for the opening game of the tournament.
However, due to the arduous international schedule, Mumbai could miss one of its vital cogs from last year’s success - South African wicketkeeper-batsman, and former captain, Quinton de Kock (QDK).
De Kock is currently with the South Africa squad for a limited-overs series at home against Pakistan. The series will consist of three ODIs starting April 2, while the tour officially comes to a close after the fourth T20I between the two teams on April 16.
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However, QDK is likely to miss only the first couple of matches for Mumbai Indians, as Cricket South Africa, the governing body for cricket in the region, has allowed its players to leave for the IPL after the conclusion of the 2nd ODI on April 4 in Johannesburg.
Depending on the quarantine requirements for international players which is currently 7 days, de Kock is likely to miss only the first game. Mumbai Indians will play its second game on the 13th of April against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Assuming De Kock leaves Johannesburg on the 5th or 6th of April, he can technically be available for selection on the 13th of April ahead of the Mumbai Indians’ second game, though it will be a marginal call. The travel itinerary for De Kock is still not available, however, so none of this can be confirmed at this point.
Meanwhile, fellow South African players Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje who both play for Delhi Capitals will also be unavailable for their first games against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, April 10 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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Other missing names include CSK Pacer Lungi Ngidi and Rajasthan Royals batsman David Miller. Rajasthan will play its first game on the 12th of April against Punjab Kings, also in Mumbai.
As for Mumbai Indians, It is likely that Australian batsman Chris Lynn will fit into the lineup ahead of Quinton de Kock’s arrival. However, it goes without saying that MI will miss him in the lineup given his explosive performance last season.
QDK scored 503 runs during the Mumbai Indians’ title run last year in only 16 games with a high score of 78 not out. He was instrumental in giving the team a boost in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma for some of the games.
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