Defending champions Mumbai Indians missed the service of wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock in the IPL 2021 opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Mumbai’s Director of Cricket Zaheer Khan has revealed from when the South African wicket-keeper batsman will be available for selection in this edition of the cash-rich league.

Mumbai opened with Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn in the tournament opener. The Aussie opener, who got his first opportunity after warming the benches in the entire IPL 2020, made most of the opportunity. He played a fine knock to give Mumbai a strong start which the middle-order failed to capitalise and managed to post only a moderate total which was later chased down by Virat Kohli & Co.

Quinton de Kock has joined training – Rohit Sharma

Speaking ahead of their second game, Zaheer Khan has confirmed that the regular Mumbai Indians opener – who missed the first game – would be back in the scheme of things. The former India cricketer said that the South African cricketer had completed his quarantine and was there in the nets for the training session yesterday.

‘Quinton is out of his quarantine. He did his practice sesæsion yesterday with the team, [he’s] looking forward to the season. So yes, he’s available for tomorrow’s game,” Zaheer Khan said.

Meanwhile, with the return of Quinton de Kock, the management will face the problem of plenty. As things look, the management will go with De Kock considering his excellent record batting alongside Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn will once again return to the bench and we might not see him again in IPL 2021.

Mumbai will look to return to winning ways when they face Kolkata Knight Riders next on April 13 (Tuesday) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Kolkata, on the other hand, will come from the back of a swift victory beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening tie after a complete performance from the team.