Quinton de Kock reflects on his comeback and renewed passion for cricket

Proteas batter Quinton de Kock emphasised that he feels he has a renewed energy after returning to international cricket as Proteas brace for third T20I in India.

De Kock already has two centuries and two half-centuries under the belt after reversing his retirement decision a few months ago.

On Thursday, the left-handed batter blasted 90 off 47, helping South Africa level the T20I series against India with three more matches remaining in the series.

De Kock highlighted that his return was simple as he already knew what was required in international cricket for him to succeed.

While he was away from international cricket, the explosive batter carried on playing in T20 leagues around the world, a feat that he believes played a hand in his seamless return to the Proteas team.

“Because I was doing it quite a bit before, I knew what it took in order to be an international cricketer again. So that transition was fairly simple, it's just a matter of just doing it. But, I didn't change much when I was away, De Kock said.

“I know world cricket is changing, at least in the T20 game, but I thought I could still keep up with the way I play, so I didn't change much.

“Probably playing a couple of leagues from around the world may be a bit more clever, because I'm playing different services, different places around the world. So it definitely helped with getting a better understanding of my own game.”

The 32-year-old revealed that prior to retiring, he was exhausted and did not have the same hunger to win games for South Africa.

“I think prior to my retirement, I was losing my hunger to win games for this team, specifically for the Proteas. That time away just brought back my hunger,” De Kock said.

“I was telling the guys, I don't think I've ever felt this way. Whereas before when you're young, you're trying to just play two score runs and impress. I feel now that there's a renewed energy where I'm not just playing.

“But I'm playing to win every game with a renewed energy. Before, it would be hard to wake up and go play for the team again especially when you play a series over and over where you've played India multiple times, home and away.

“I think over time, I was getting sick of it. I was looking for a new challenge and I wasn't getting it. Now coming back, I feel like this is actually what I missed.

“As everyone knows, you never know what you have until you've lost it. That's kind of now coming back where that renewed energy where I feel I can play much longer than what I thought previously.”

The wicket-keeper batter insists that he now has a renewed energy to win games for South Africa, having had enough time away from international cricket.

“I think when I left, I was quite exhausted from international cricket. So my break, I still feel, was much needed. So now when I came back, I've got a lot of energy I feel I can put back towards the team,” he said.

“And I've always said it to coach, to Shuks, I want to play as long as I can now. Where I don't think I could have had that mindset if I carried on playing. I think I actually would have probably maybe finished my career earlier.

“Where now with my break, I feel I can prolong my career. I feel fitter than ever.Mentally also, I'm not exhausted.

“So I feel like I'm happy to be back and I can give more back to the team.”

De Kock will be key to South Africa’s cause as they hope to take the lead in the series on Sunday when they play the third T20I match in Dharamsala.