As JP Duminy continues to hit the high notes for Mumbai Indians, he's also learning a bit of Hindi
As JP Duminy continues to hit the high notes for Mumbai Indians, he's also learning a bit of Hindi
In this slam-bang Twenty20 league, JP Duminy's serene batting has been an enriching experience. Sure, he came with a heavy price tag ($950,000) but he's proved his worth for Mumbai Indians by being their most consistent batsman.
He was voted as the most popular South African cricketer recently. And, by the end of the second edition of the IPL, he will have quite a number of fans in Mumbai too.
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Excerpts from a chat:
Have you picked up any Hindi?
A couple of younger boys have taught me a bit, but I don't think I can say them. They are all naughty things.
How different is the experience of playing in the IPL?
It's the same sort of standard as international cricket with a different name... just a different name on your shirt. It's a new experience in the sense you are playing with people from different cultures, different languages, so you keep learning something new everyday.
You are a batsman in the classical mould. Is it difficult to adjust to T20?
Not really. If you look at the IPL, most of the guys who have done well are not generally the big-hitters. Most orthodox batters are doing well. There is a bit of variety in T20 though. Teams have big hitters as well as the ones who are refined.
Coming with a heavy price tag, how much pressure were you under?
There was always going to be a bit of pressure on me given the price tag. I have done fairly well till now. It is a long tournament and I would like to continue to do well.
It's a tough road ahead for Mumbai Indians...
It's going to be a tough road ahead for us but an exciting one too. If we can put in some big performances and make the big moments count, we will hopefully qualify for the semis. It is going to be a tough ask for us but we have the players and the ability to pull it off. It is about us believing in ourselves, believing as a team and hopefully, we can build a bit of a momentum by winning a few games.u00a0
Mumbai had quite a few forgettable games...
We could never take advantage in the crunch moments of those big games. That's where we lost momentum. It definitely dents the confidence of the team if those moments are not won. There are still a lot of games to go. And if we can achieve what we want to achieve in those big moments, I am sure we will do well.
In most of the games you have been left waging a lone battle. Are you feeling the pressure?
I am not feeling the pressure. It's just unfortunate that we have not got the partnerships in the middle. Sanath (Jayasuriya) and Sachin (Tendulkar) have been doing well for us and we rely quite a lot on them to get us a good start. But if that doesn't happen, then obviously the other guys, including myself, have to come to the party and we are up for it in the next couple of games.
Being a middle order batsman, you were asked to open against Delhi...
My gameplan obviously revolves around the team's. When I open, my role is to try and bat through the innings. But if I am coming in the middle then the gameplan is to keep the ones and twos going and try and find a boundary in between and cash on at the death.u00a0
You had said you were looking forward to playing with Tendulkar. What have you picked up from him?
Just the way he goes about his work. He is a thorough professional; he is always practising, trying to improve his game no matter how long he has been around. I think that is something I will take on board. The small talk in the middle also helps.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
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Some of your high-profile teammates have been in the news for the wrong reasons. SA Cricket has high hopes on you off the field as well. They want you to be a role model like Tendulkar is for India. Your comments...
Yes, there have been a few naughty boys but you need different characters in the team. I would try and give my best as a player for my country and hope I can be a good role model as well.
How has life changed for JP since last year?
A lot more people recognise me now. I indulge in a few more things like writing a column now. It's quite a good experience.
You have been voted as the most popular cricketer in SA. How do you deal with the fans?
It takes a bit of getting used to the adulation, but I am enjoying it. I'm trying my best on the field. I try to get the basics right and keep focusing on what I need to do.
What did scoring runs against Australia do to your career?
You take a lot of confidence from playing well against Australia. It helped a great deal because I came straight off a good series in Australia. But that is long gone now and you have to look at the future and try and put in those big performances consistently.
How does it feel to play against your SA teammates in the IPL?
It's a bit weird, but good competition. The guys are very competitive and always give 100 per cent.
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