The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) sold wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock to Mumbai Indians (MI) which turned out to be IPL’s first trade of 2019. The franchise acquired the services of de Kock for INR 2.8 crore (USD 437,000) in the 2018 mega auctions. As claimed by the reports, MI have bought the Protea wicketkeeper for the same price.
On the other hand, in order to offset the deal, the Nita Ambani owned franchise has released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman (INR 2.2 crore, USD 343,000) and Sri Lankan offspinner Akila Dananjaya (INR 50 lakh, USD 78,000).
With two stumpers already in the squad – Ishan Kishan and Aditya Tare – roping in De Kock will strengthen MI’s batting top-order which they lacked in the eleventh edition. Star West Indian Evin Lewis tapered off towards the fag end of the season in 2018, hence de Kock is a welcome addition to the squad.
Quinton has earlier represented Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad and has good stats in the cash-rich tournament. In 34 matches, he has scored 927 runs at an average of 28.09 and with a strike rate of 130. He has a century and six fifties to his name.