IPL 2019: Mumbai Indians buy South African from RCB

Mumbai Indians have made the first deal in the off-season trade window offered by IPL ahead of 2019 edition by buying South African player Quinton de Kock from Royal Challengers Banglore. And in return, Mumbai has released two players, Mustafizur Rahman and Akila Dananjaya.

RCB release de Kock after just one year

RCB had bought the wicket-keeping batsman for INR 2.80 crores in the 2018 IPL auction but have decided to release him after just one year. The left-hand batsman featured in 8 innings for RCB in the 2018 season and scored 201 runs. Although the South African cricketer didn’t score a lot of runs, he still finished as the fourth highest run scorer for the franchise.

.@QuinnyDeKock69 becomes VIVO @IPL 2019's first trade, joins us for the 12th edition!

Read more ➡https://t.co/cJqK3EkhA4 #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/IIVj4OCvrO

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 20, 2018

de Kock has also played for Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past and is known for his aggressive batting at the top of the order. de Kock has experience of playing 95 ODIs and has scored 4073 runs at an average of 45.25. He also has 13 hundreds and 17 fifties to his name.

de Kock’s ability to give quick starts in the powerplay and his wicket-keeping skills make him a lucrative purchase for Mumbai Indians as the franchise has struggled to find a player who is effective with the bat as well as behind the stumps.

The first trade of #IPL 2019 has taken place and @QuinnyDeKock69 has made a move to #MumbaiIndians.

Thank you for you services @QuinnyDeKock69! It was great having you in the squad. #PlayBold

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) October 20, 2018

Mumbai release two players

RCB made this a money deal which means the franchise sold the South African player for his auction price of 2.8 crores.

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To make up for this purchase, Mumbai released two players whose combined worth is 2.8 crores. The franchise released Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman and Sri Lankan spinner Akila Dhananjaya.