Quinton de Kock 'quite relaxed' despite sitting on the bench in IPL

The left-handed opener was a top performer for the Indian franchise last season, scoring 508 runs at an average of 36.28.

De Kock however has struggled to make the playing XI in the first six matches of the current campaign as the LSG management has preferred West Indian Kyle Mayers to bat alongside captain KL Rahul at the top of the order.

LSG have made a good start to the 2023 IPL, winning four of their six matches, the same record as table-toppers Rajasthan Royals.

Proteas gloveman De Kock joked that he has been keeping fit in the gym in his spare time.

"It's been quite relaxed," de Kock told Star Sports. "I'm not quite used to being on the side for so long but it's all good - the team's doing really well so I guess that™s the most important thing.

"It's been chilled. I've made a couple more friends sitting on the side, learned a lot more with the boys and it™s been fun watching the guys.

"Put it this way: I don't think I've gymed, run and practised as much as I have in the last two weeks in my whole career."

Super Giants' skipper Rahul revealed it would not be fair to just drop Mayers, who has struck 168 runs in five innings, including two half-centuries.

"It's very unfortunate that someone like Quinton has to sit out," Rahul said. "But unfortunately, there are only four foreign players [per XI] that can play in this competition.

"He'll just have to wait for some more time. Kyle is doing really well. It's a bit unfortunate. You feel bad. I've enjoyed playing and enjoyed opening with Quinton, but for now, he's still not playing."

LSG next game in the tournament is on Saturday when they host defending champions Gujarat Titans.