Happy to be playing for Sachin’s team: Duminy

Rising South African star Jean Paul Duminy tells DNA that he backs himself to deliver under pressure.

Were you named after philosopher Jean Paul Sartre?
I am not aware of the philosopher and I am not named after him. My mother actually calls me Jean.

Are you a philosopher yourself?
Not really.

Ok, what is the philosophy of your batting?
To take each ball as it comes and not look further ahead than that.

You played a patient yet significant knock in Melbourne. You led South Africa to victory from the brink of defeat. How did you mange that?
That is the way I always bat, patiently and waiting for the right opportunity. Jeremy Snape played a major part in improving my mental preparation after the England series.

You played a key role in your team’s  chase of 414 also.
It helped a lot to bat with AB (de Villiers). We have had a lot of major partnerships together, particularly at the SA under-19 level, and we enjoy playing together.

Mike Procter said he knew you are good but he did not know you are so good.
I don’t think it is appropriate for me to comment on selectors

Where do you go from here?
One must never take anything for granted. My aim is to hold down a place at national side in all three formats of the game.

How difficult is it to sustain good work?
Personal pride and competition for places always keeps you on your toes.

You have been in and out of the national team till the Australia series. How did you keep the motivation going?
I have been a regular in the ODI team for some time and waiting for my Test chance just made me hungrier than ever to succeed.

Which form of cricket you like most?
Test cricket is always the biggest challenge for any player.

What do you make of the Indian team?
Very strong at the moment and particularly hard to beat on home soil.

Your favourite cricketer?
Brian Lara.

Your favourite Indian cricketer?
Sachin Tendulkar. I don’t think that really needs an explanation why. I’m happy to be playing for Mumbai Indians team in the IPL.

Are you surprised by your IPL value?
It is still difficult to believe. I’m totally overwhelmed by the IPL auction. I did not expect this much. Now there will be pressure on me to deliver. But I always back myself to perform under that pressure.

You said you are looking for a chance to play in the IPL. Why do you say that?
It is an opportunity to play with some of the greatest players in the world and it gives you a new perspective and a chance to make new friendships as you normally only play against them.