IPL 2025: Shane Watson Mesmerised By Quinton de Kock’s “Vintage” Performance

March 27, 2025: Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson was full of praise for Quinton de Kock after the South African opener led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a comfortable 8-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Watson, speaking to Jio Hotstar, was all smiles as he reflected on de Kock’s stunning knock that guided KKR to their first victory of the season.

The game, held at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, saw de Kock unleash a masterclass in chasing down a target of 152 runs. His scintillating knock of 97* off 61 balls was a reminder of his exceptional ability and experience in the shortest format of the game. De Kock’s composure and clinical shot-making put the Royals’ bowling attack under pressure, and despite their efforts, KKR coasted to a victory with 8 wickets remaining.

Watson was particularly impressed by de Kock’s performance, describing it as “vintage Quinton de Kock.” He noted that the innings reflected the brilliance that the South African has displayed over the past 10-15 years, both in the IPL and on the international stage. “He executed his shots beautifully,” Watson said, acknowledging the ease with which de Kock paced his innings and took KKR over the line.

One of the highlights of the match was de Kock’s aggressive pull shot off Jofra Archer, which sailed over long-on for a towering six to seal the victory. Watson praised this moment, saying, “That pull shot he played off Jofra Archer over mid-wicket–my goodness–it was a testament to the sublime form he’s in.”

The win not only marked KKR’s first of the season but also boosted their confidence, with Watson emphasizing that having explosive players like de Kock in the middle order would give the team great confidence moving forward. “This performance will give KKR tremendous confidence, knowing they have such explosive firepower in their middle order,” Watson added.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals were left to analyze their shortcomings, particularly with their spin attack. Watson pointed out that the Royals’ batters struggled to find their timing and made several execution errors, which prevented them from posting a big total. The quality of KKR’s spin attack, led by Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali, was a key factor in the Royals’ inability to capitalize on their batting opportunities.

Watson also highlighted how KKR’s bowlers, especially their spinners, were able to control the game. “Varun Chakravarthy and Moeen Ali bowled exceptionally well, whereas Rajasthan’s bowlers, particularly in the middle overs, lacked the potency we’ve seen from them in the past,” he said.

For KKR’s chase, de Kock displayed patience, waiting for loose deliveries and executing his shots with precision. Watson acknowledged that de Kock’s wide range of shots allows him to accelerate quickly when in form, making him a dangerous prospect for any bowling attack. “He didn’t take unnecessary risks, and with his wide range of shots, he can accelerate quickly when he’s at his best,” Watson concluded.

While KKR celebrated their win, Rajasthan Royals are left with a lot to reflect on as they sit at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table after two consecutive losses.