Zak is more of a bowling skipper: Quinton de Kock

Mumbai: South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock loves hundreds, he makes it look easy. The 23-year-old registered five tons by his 20th ODI match and also broke India cricketer Virat Kohli’s record to reach the 10th ton in 55 innings (Kohli achieved the feat in 80 innings). Recently, he smashed the first hundred in the ninth edition of the IPL which helped Delhi Daredevils chase down 192, against Royal Challengers Bangalore, with five balls to spare.

The southpaw — who scored 108 off 51 balls with 15 fours and three sixes — told this correspondent about the significance of hundreds, Zaheer Khan’s leadership qualities and the Delhi camp overall. Excerpts…

How much does an IPL ton mean to you?

All hundreds, call it international cricket or IPL, mean a lot ot me; to come out as a winning team scoring a hundred is a pleasure. This opportunity doesn’t come often.

You’ve not batted with Karun Nair (who remained unbeaten on 54) before, how did it click?

We told each other that we needed a partnership. The wicket was great and we wanted to bat as long as we could. We somehow managed to score above the required rate, it happens when one plays on a good wicket.

How is Zaheer Khan as skipper? How different is he from JP Duminy who led the side last season?

Zak is more of a bowling captain, he leads the bowling attack well. JP is an all-round skipper. He does all that he can around everybody which is natural for he is an all-rounder. But off the field, there isn’t much difference between the both of them. People respect them and listen to them. But on field, they are two different captains.

What did Rahul Dravid bring in to the Delhi camp?

Apart from bringing in experience, he brought calmness, comes from his personality.

Who are your buddies in the team?

All of them, but Mayank (Agarwal) and I get along very well; even Sanju (Samson). I try to learn from everybody, they are a great bunch of youngsters who are not shy to make new friends.

Delhi is yet to play a final. What is lacking?

I don’t have the recipe for that but we need to win more games. We are still trying to figure it out. Strategies are different for every team.

You have been on a roll since World T20, what is the secret behind the consistency?

There is no secret, I haven’t done anything different. Luck has been on my side.

How much did it hurt not being able to make it to the semi-final?

It was anti-climax. Personally, it was disappointing. I thought we had a good chance to make it to the semi-final.

Tell us about bowlers you love to face…

I reckon every spinner turning the ball into me or a nice medium pacer. I can’t take much names.

Who is your favourite wicketkeeper-batsman?

I can watch Kumar Sangakkara bat all day, same goes for Adam Gilchrist. They are both unbelievable keepers too.