Duminy is back in the green and gold

JP Duminy did not have a fairytale ending to his career after the Proteas crashed out of the 2019 World Cup, but the 38-year-old has another shot at the elusive title, this time as a batting coach of the ODI and T20 team.

“Whenever you’re putting on green and gold, it’s always a privilege. I’m very excited to be back. I think more importantly it’s about trying to make an impact and be part of that significant process of passing on some wisdom and knowledge and just walking the journey with a lot of the players that are in the current team. I’m looking forward to it,” JP Duminy told the media yesterday.

Duminy spoke of his new role as an opportunity to help this new generation achieve what his generation could not.

He would have had his debut match as coach had the first ODI between the Proteas and the West Indies in East London on Thursday not been abandoned because of persistent rain.

Along with Duminy several youngsters would’ve also donned the green and gold for the first time.

“Yes, there would have been one or two debuts on Thursday. There’s a likelihood that it will be very similar going into the second ODI, but I think the important thing is that we plan and make sure we cover all our

bases. Most importantly, can we find the right combinations going forward over the next couple of months leading into the World Cup?” said Duminy.

Duminy recently left a head coach role in Paarl where he looked after the talents of the Boland region. He also had a stint in the SA20 as head coach of the Paarl Royals where he made his mark as an influential leader.

His personality and coaching philosophy might just be what the youngsters in the current ODI squad need in order to loosen up and perform as they make a steep step up in their careers.

“When you think about any leadership position, the ability to influence and guide and mentor players or anyone in general, I think it’s an important trait to have. I think for me it’s more about walking a journey with people on an individual basis and I think the batting coach role emphasizes that a lot more. For me it’s about the ability to earn the trust of every player every single day. No matter what we’re doing that’s my goal,” said Duminy.

“That’s my ambition to help these players go through different stages of their careers. There are a few younger guys in the group and they will want to stamp their authority in international cricket. Having gone through the experiences of that, the successes of that but also the failures of that, I think that’s the most important part and walking that journey is what I’m looking forward to.”

The second ODI between South Africa and the West Indies starts at 1pm today.