Quinton de Kock dismisses World Cup favourite tags Ahead of high-stakes India clash

Throughout the week, leading into the South Africa and India Super 8 fixture, many have considered the Proteas as the side under the most pressure.

However, those claims have overlooked the fact that India are playing at home and are the defending champions — a combination that can put a team under immense pressure, as the expectation to win is high.

Moreover, right from the start of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, many have considered India to be the favourites, as they have exciting players including the world’s number-one ranked T20 batter, the opening batter Abhishek Sharma.

South Africa wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock has dismissed those claims, as he believes there are no favourites in World Cups, especially in T20 World Cups, which are unpredictable in nature.

“No, I don't think so (that there are favourites in World Cups). I think the nature of World Cups doesn't allow favouritism at some point, because at any moment of time in a game, someone can win the game out of nowhere. So, that's the thing,” De Kock said.

“It's quite a fickle game, World Cups, especially T20 World Cups, because games can be changed in a matter of two to three overs just by one individual. So, I wouldn't say anyone's really the favourites, because there's some really good teams who are going forward now. Maybe one or two guys are playing better cricket, but it doesn't mean in the future games they're going to win.”

De Kock reckons that, through the pressure of playing India in India, the best method is to stick to their strengths rather than overthinking the occasion or the prospect of playing against a high-profile team such as India.

"I think just at the end of the day, our guys just have to stick to their own strengths," De Kock said. "And use their instincts at the right time. I think that's it."

If there ever was a time for South Africa to prove a point, it will be during their clash against India. The whole world will be watching, which gives them the platform to make a statement and send a message to the rest of the teams in the World Cup.

The clash is scheduled to get underway at 3:30 pm SAST at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Ongama Gcwabe is a prominent sports journalist. Writing for Independent Media as a senior contributor, he is recognised for his expertise in SA cricket.