Quinton de Kock says his red-hot form could count for little once the T20 World Cup gets under way next month.
The 33-year-old has played with freedom since reversing his international retirement to make himself available for the Proteas in the shorter formats.
On Monday, the left-hander surged to the top of the SA20 run charts after a commanding unbeaten 79 off 41 balls for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape against the Pretoria Capitals at Centurion, striking six sixes in a dominant 10-wicket win. Partnering Jonny Bairstow, De Kock featured in an unbroken 177-run opening stand that underlined his current confidence.
But despite leading the competition with 205 runs at an average of 68.33 and a strike rate of 173.72, De Kock remains unconvinced that form now guarantees anything later.
“Honestly, it makes no difference,” he said. “I’ve seen guys through my whole who have no form rock up to World Cups and score the most runs.
“I’ve seen guys with form come to World Cups and score no runs, so it means nothing. World Cups are a different kettle of fish.”
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He explained that clarity of thought has been the key to his recent success.
“It was just a mindset change. I just had to realise that coming back to an international level, my game needs to be nice and tight. I’ve played with no baggage.
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“I’m always trying to win anyway, so I’ve always felt if I have the right mindset, I’ll never have to carry baggage.
“At the end of the day, if I lose or play a certain way, as long as mentally my head’s in the game – whether I fail or do well – then I’m happy with that.”
Photo: Arjun Singh/Sportzpics
