NEW DELHI: Quinton de Kock appears to have rediscovered a new level in his batting since returning to competitive cricket, with the South African crediting his resurgence to a clear mindset free of any mental "baggage."

De Kock made his comeback in October 2025 during a T20I against Namibia, stepping back into the international arena after having retired from Tests and ODIs. His future in T20 cricket had also been uncertain, having stayed away from the format since the 2024 T20 World Cup final, making his return all the more significant.

"I don't think I've ever played cricket with baggage. My mindset has always been about trying to win. If I turn up mentally switched on, I'm satisfied, whether I succeed or fail," De Kock told select media after a SA20 match between his side Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals.

SA20: De Kock, Bairstow run riot as Sunrisers Eastern Cape crush Pretoria Capitals

"The only time I'm disappointed is when I'm not mentally present and make unnecessary mistakes," he added.

Backing up his own words, the left-hander has looked in fine form across both white-ball formats since returning to the South African setup.

In six ODIs - three each against Pakistan and India - De Kock has piled up 353 runs at an impressive average of 70.60. He has also featured in eight T20Is, four against India, three versus Pakistan and one against Namibia, scoring 187 runs at a strike rate close to 140.

With confidence flowing, De Kock is now keen to carry this rich vein of form into the upcoming T20 World Cup, hoping to use his familiarity with Indian conditions to give South Africa a significant edge in the tournament.

"I know the conditions very well. I've been touring India for many years now. If I don't understand the conditions by now, then I haven't done something right.

"My role going into the World Cup is to share that knowledge with the younger players, especially those who haven't played at certain venues," he said.

South Africa had a successful visit to India recently where they won the Test series 2-0, and ran the home side close in the white ball leg.

But the 33-year-old felt that that tour will have no bearing on South Africa’s outing in the World Cup.

"Form honestly means very little when it comes to World Cups. I've seen players with no form come in and score heavily, and players in great form struggle.

"World Cups are different. The pressure is different, the environment is different. Playing in India, the crowds will be massive and noisy. It's a completely different challenge," he noted.

Underlining his growing touch, De Kock smashed a 41-ball 79, powering Sunrisers Eastern Cape to a 10-wicket win over Pretoria Capitals.

The wicketkeeper batter is now the highest run-getter in this edition of SA20 with 205 runs from four matches at an average of 68.33.

De Kock was delighted to see the growth of SA20 over the four editions.

"A Monday game and a packed house says everything about how the league is growing. I've been in Centurion for many years, and there's always been a strong crowd here.

"Cricket is loved not just here, but across South Africa. Fans always come out to support their teams," he signed off.

(With PTI Inputs)