Quinton de Kock believes his time away from international cricket will help prolong his career.

The opener smashed 90 off 46 balls, including five fours and seven sixes, to set up the Proteas’ 51-run victory over India in New Chandigarh on Thursday, levelling the T20I series at 1-1.

“I think it was pretty easy coming back [into international cricket],” he said. “As a batsman, because I was doing quite a bit before, I knew what it took to be an international cricketer again, so the transition was fairly simple. It’s just a matter of doing it.

“I didn’t change much while I was away. I know world cricket is changing … but I still thought I could keep up in the way I play.

“I’m probably playing a couple of leagues more cleverly now because I play on different surfaces. It definitely helped with getting a better understanding of my own game.”

De Kock retired from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup and later stepped away from T20Is, but said the mental and physical break was essential.

“It wasn’t a decision that I just woke up and had. Over time, the more of a break I had, the more ready I felt to come back. Prior to that, I’d already been playing international cricket for more than a decade. I was quite exhausted, so my break was much needed.”

HIGHLIGHTS: India vs Proteas (2nd T20I)

Now, he says, he feels rejuvenated – and committed for the long run.

“When I came back now, I’ve got a lot of energy… I told Shuks [coach Shukri Conrad] I want to play as long as I can now. If I had carried on playing, I think I would have finished earlier. But now I can prolong my career. I feel fitter than ever, and mentally I’m not exhausted.

“Prior to my retirement, I was losing my hunger to win games for the Proteas. My time away brought back my hunger – I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way. Coming back, that renewed energy makes me feel like I can play much longer than I thought previously.”

Asked about a possible return to Test cricket, De Kock was unequivocal.

“As of now, no.”

Photo: BCCI