Mumbai Indian’s South African star Jean Paul Duminy tells DNA that only team work can yield success in a tournament like this.
How would you rate MI’s chances?
It doesn’t matter who your opponents are. In T20, you never know what’s in store. The team which gets its basics right will be on top.
Tell us about MI’s preparations
The team has been working hard. The young players had a week-long camp in Durban. Our coaches (Robin Singh, Paras Mhambrey and TA Sekar) have been assisting us well. Above all, our owner Nita Ambani has been very supportive. She was our driving factor during the IPL and now here.
How big an influence has Tendulkar been for you?
I look up to him as cricketer with energy and his cricketing graph has always inspired me to be like him. Sustaining the energy for 20 years is his greatest asset.
What role will the ‘locals’ have to play in CLT20?
I have a fair understanding of the conditions here and I will share my knowledge with teammates. However, the Indian players are not strangers to the conditions here.
How important will this tourney be for you?
It is very important for me and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. I had a good run in this tournament last year (for Cape Cobras) and I would like to do well again.
What will a team have to do in order to master South African conditions?
You are never out of the game until the last ball is bowled. The idea must be to put in a good collective effort and playing for each other.
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