Smith, Duminy’s coach delighted with his wards’ IPL experience

Graeme Smith and Jean-Paul Duminy's coach at Cape Cobras is delighted that his wards are gaining from captains Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar respectively

Smith, Duminy's coach delighted with his wards' IPL experience

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Smith, Duminy's coach delighted with his wards' IPL experience

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Graeme Smith and Jean-Paul Duminy's coach at Cape Cobras is delighted that his wards are gaining from captains Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar respectively

You don't learn everything in the coaching nets. Some of the most valuable lessons in cricket you can only learn from a senior pro in a dressing room.

One of the best things about the Indian Premier League is that it provides an opportunity for a player to interact with some of the greatest players from different countries.

Two South African players, who are really gaining from this experience are JP Duminy and Graeme Smith by being under the wings of two of the greatest-ever cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne respectively.

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One of the keys to the Mumbai Indians skipper's success throughout his 20-year international career is his tremendous work ethic.

A different Duminy

You can see the transformation in Duminy. In his practice routines, he's almost as focused on his batting as Tendulkar. No wonder JP has been in a zone during the tournament.

Smith has developed into a fine captain and if he needs to take his leadership skills to another level then there is only one personality to learn from Warne. The SA skipper is fortunate to be playing under the Australian legend at Rajasthan Royals.

Warne may not be a role model off the field, but as a motivator, strategist and mind-game expert he's undoubtedly the best. To an extent, Smith seems to have already benefited from the experience.
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The gains were there to see in the way Smith led SA to an epic series win over Australia Down Under last season.

Cape Town boys Duminy and Smith's coach at Cape Cobras, Shukri Conrad is absolutely delighted over the opportunity his wards have got. "It's a fantastic opportunity for Smith and Duminy.
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Smith on the captaincy front while JP is learning to find his game and learning to find himself," Conrad told MiD DAY.

Dressing room tips

"The fact that Duminy's been able to share the stage and dressing room with someone like Tendulkar is a massive opportunity and great for his development.

"I spoke to Duminy recently and he's just loving every bit of being at the feet of a guy like Tendulkar.

You cannot select a better role model to base your game on; he's the best cricketer in the world. JP will be a better cricketer at the end of this IPL," added Conrad.

Handling pressure

Dealing with the huge pressure of international cricket is where Conrad feels Duminy can learn a lot from the Indian legend.

"JP's just come on the international scene. He's had a really good first year of international cricket and the pressure is always going to get intense.
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Tendulkar also started at an early age and has handled pressure well. Having someone like Tendulkar around to learn from is a massive thing for JP's development.

"Smith, has obviously found his feet in international cricket. But just sharing ideas with Warne will help Graeme in a big way," signed off Conrad.