In a night that felt like a scripted homecoming, Quinton de Kock reminded the cricketing world why he remains one of the most lethal openers in T20 history. Stepping back into the Mumbai Indians (MI) colors at a packed Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, the South African veteran delivered a breathtaking unbeaten 112, steering his side to a dominant position against the Punjab Kings. Replacing the injured Rohit Sharma, De Kock didn’t just fill a gap; he owned the stage, proving that class is indeed permanent.
Quinton de Kock hits a tremendous century on his comeback for Mumbai Indians
From the first ball of the innings, De Kock looked like a man on a mission. While the MI top order saw some early wobbles, De Kock anchored the innings with a mix of classical drives and his signature pick-up shots over fine leg. He reached the triple-figure mark in just 53 deliveries, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. His final tally of 112* off 60 balls was decorated with 8 boundaries and 7 towering sixes, showcasing a strike rate that kept the PBKS bowlers under constant pressure.
A historic triple crown achievement for Proteas star
With this knock, de Kock etched his name into the IPL record books by becoming the first overseas player to score a century for three different franchises.
- Delhi Capitals (2016): His maiden ton that announced his arrival.
- Lucknow Super Giants (2022): The unforgettable 140* that remains one of the league’s highest scores.
- Mumbai Indians (2026): This latest masterclass, marking his first hundred for the Blue and Gold.
He joins an elite club featuring only KL Rahul and Sanju Samson as players to have achieved centuries for three different teams.
Beyond the runs, this innings was statistically significant for De Kock’s legacy behind the stumps. This marked his 25th 50-plus score while playing as a designated wicketkeeper-batsman. In doing so, he officially moved past the legendary MS Dhoni (24 scores of 50+) to take the second spot on the all-time list for wicketkeepers, trailing only Rahul.
The 112-run blitz was more than just a personal milestone; it was a tactical masterstroke for MI. Partnering with youngster Naman Dhir for a century-plus stand, De Kock ensured MI reached a formidable total of 195/6.
Also READ: Fans mercilessly troll Suryakumar Yadav after he falls for golden duck in MI vs PBKS IPL 2026 clash
Here’s how fans reacted:
Quinton de kock was marvellous today with his plan. Ran well, played on the off side too with precision.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 16, 2026
HUNDRED BY QUINTON DE KOCK. 😍🔥
– What a fabulous knock by De Kock against Punjab Kings. Came in the MI side and straightaway made an impact. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/pGZumfJwQx
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 16, 2026
WELCOME BACK TO MUMBAI INDIANS QUINTON DE KOCK 🥹🔥 pic.twitter.com/f89dYFKAwN
— TEJASH 🚩 (@LoyleRohitFan) April 16, 2026
What a hundred by Quinton de Kock 🔥
from the next match, drop Ryan Rickelton and let him open with Rohit Sharma.🙌 pic.twitter.com/eMNhYn4H1F— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) April 16, 2026
And he does it 💪👏 Quinton De Kock completes his century 💯 in style with a boundary 😎🫰 Completes it in just 53 balls 🤯 A sensational knock no doubt 🥵🤌 #IPL #MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/TRYQ2fZpYs https://t.co/Trb2k6SM52
— Aware Indian (@Aware_Indian7) April 16, 2026
A sensational century by Quinton de Kock 🙌👏#MIvsPBKS #QuintondeKock #IPL2026 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/0Uwpb8BwBm
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 16, 2026
QUINTON DE KOCK ON FIRE! 🔥🔥🔥💯
Hundred in style. No mercy. No brakes. 💀
THIS IS VINTAGE DE KOCK 💀🔥#MIvsPBKS
— Aarnav Sharma✨️ (@sunilaarnav) April 16, 2026
Centurion No. 2 of the season Quinton de Kock in beast mode 🔥🔥#MIvsPBKSpic.twitter.com/8N3BfZC2pN
— Akul (𝑨𝑻10) (@Loyalsachfan10) April 16, 2026
Quinton de Kock redemption arc👊🔥 pic.twitter.com/VGW6qHymEi
— 𝑨𝒃𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒛𝒂𝒚𝒏²✨ (@abdulaf_tweets) April 16, 2026
What a knock by Quinton De Kock 🔥 Completes his half century in just 28 balls 👏 Currently at 73*(40). Will he be the 2nd one to complete his century 💯 this #IPL season after Sanju Samson question ⁉️ Let’s wait and watch 🤩🏏 #MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/o3SGgPUG5v
— Aware Indian (@Aware_Indian7) April 16, 2026
QUINTON DE KOCK – 112*(60). 🙇♂️
Mumbai Indians at one point 12/2 and then he played an outstanding innings with 8 fours and 7 sixes against Punjab Kings at Wankhede.
– Take a bow, De Kock!#MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/QycnqMFwQl
— Nafees (@Nafees_22) April 16, 2026
QUINTON DE KOCK – 112*(60). 🙇♂️
Mumbai Indians at one point 12/2 and then he played an outstanding innings with 8 fours and 7 sixes against Punjab Kings at Wankhede.
– Take a bow, De Kock! pic.twitter.com/bzrDTl0dUB
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 16, 2026
🔥 DE KOCK’S MASTERCLASS LIFTS MI TO 195! 🔥
Quinton de Kock smashes a stunning 112 (60)* 💥, dominating the innings!
Naman Dhir chips in with a solid 50 (31) 🤝 to build a crucial partnership!
Arshdeep Singh grabs 3 wickets 🎯 but MI finish strong at 195/6 🚀 pic.twitter.com/dzM7u0z5uW— Puneet Awasthi (@PuneetA77622712) April 16, 2026
What a player, what a knock, and what a way to start the season! 💯
Quinton de Kock, take a bow for a truly special Wankhede hundred! 👏
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/gUtBi9inLc#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #MIvPBKS | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/tPSNAkTOFg
— officialKL_Rahul_ (@KumarRahul58896) April 16, 2026
Mumbai Indians post 195 on the board.
– Quinton de Kock the backbone of the innings. A sensational knock under pressure..!!!👏
– But still feels 10–20 runs short on this pitch👀
— Mohd Faizy (@ansarifaizy08) April 16, 2026
QUINTON DE KOCK – 112*(60). 🙇♂️
Mumbai Indians at one point 12/2 and then he played an outstanding innings with 8 fours and 7 sixes against Punjab Kings at Wankhede.
– Take a bow, De Kock!🙇♂️#pbksvsmi pic.twitter.com/QXvL7SGZ85
— Ayush Singh (@AyushSingh4173) April 16, 2026
Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s why Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Santner are not playing today’s MI vs PBKS match
