Mumbai Indians Sign Quinton de Kock in IPL Auction 2026

The Mumbai Indians have successfully acquired South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock for his base price of ₹1 crore during the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the 2026 season. This signing has been met with enthusiasm by the team's head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, who expressed his satisfaction with the decision.

In an interview with the host broadcaster, Jayawardene remarked, "We were lucky. Quinny has been a part of Mumbai Indians in the past and has contributed significantly to our success. His experience at the top of the order is invaluable for us."

De Kock's return to the Mumbai Indians is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team's batting line-up, particularly the opening positions. Jayawardene highlighted the necessity of having depth in the batting order, which would provide the franchise with more flexibility when selecting their playing XI.

Reflecting on the previous season, Jayawardene noted, "Last year, we faced several injuries that prevented us from fielding our best team. We aimed to address those gaps during the auction, and we are pleased with the current composition of the squad."

The franchise is keen to build on their previous successes, having won the IPL title in both 2019 and 2020, with de Kock playing a pivotal role during those campaigns. He has a wealth of experience in the league, having participated in 115 matches and accumulating 3,309 runs at an average of 30.63.

Quinton de Kock has also recently returned to international white-ball cricket, having previously announced his retirement from the format. He is South Africa's leading run-scorer in T20 internationals, amassing 2,706 runs in 99 matches with a strike rate exceeding 139.

The Mumbai Indians are hopeful that de Kock's return will bolster their chances of success in the upcoming season, provided that they can avoid serious injuries. Jayawardene concluded, "We are optimistic about our prospects as we look forward to a competitive season ahead."

As the IPL approaches, fans will be eager to see how the combination of de Kock and other key players, including captain Rohit Sharma, will perform on the field. The Mumbai Indians are focusing on maintaining consistency and capitalising on their existing strengths while integrating new talent into their squad.

With the auction complete, the franchise is set to embark on their preparations for the IPL 2026 season, aiming to reclaim their title as champions of the prestigious tournament.