JP Duminy: The all-rounder

JP Duminy (born 14 April 1984) is a professional cricketer. He is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm offspin bowler. Duminy, currently plays domestic cricket for his home team, the Cape Cobras and the IPL cricket team Delhi Daredevils.

JP Duminy

This past week I had the opportunity to interview one of the greatest cricket sportsmen that South Africa has produced. JP Duminy has graced us with his skills as a batsman for the national team, Proteas and has helped champion the team with his all-rounder skills. A force to be reckoned with and an admirable role model for aspiring cricketers.

We spoke about his career that has blossomed over the years and his new community-based project; the JP21 Project. Here's the lowdown as follows:

The L.A Dosage: What has been your greatest accomplishments in your cricket career?

JP Duminy: My greatest and biggest achievement I can say was being a part of the test team that received the number one ranking back in 2012.

The L.A Dosage: Who has been your biggest competitor/s over the years?

JP Duminy: In terms of countries, it would be Australia.

The L.A Dosage: Who or what was your biggest influence in your early years?

JP Duminy: My parents and grandparents have been the greatest support base.

The L.A Dosage: What career path would you have chosen if you weren't a pro cricketer?

JP Duminy: Probably IT. My father is in the field, so I might have followed in his footsteps.

The L.A Dosage: What is the difference between representing your country and representing your province?

JP Duminy: You have more pressure, and expectations when representing your country. Its not only your country watching, it becomes a worldwide spectacular and that is more challenging.

The L.A Dosage: How does playing ODI (One Day International) cricket compare to test cricket?

JP Duminy: ODI is various initiatives as cricket requires a lot of skills; physically and mentally. Test cricket requires more patience and concentration whereas ODI has more room for error. Both can still be a challenge depending on your opponents too.

The L.A Dosage: How do you maintain a good mental attitude before any match?

JP Duminy: I make sure I prepare myself to the best of my ability and train enough and just be game ready no matter what.

The L.A Dosage: Let's discuss your JP21 project which you recently launched.

JP Duminy: The JP21 project is a community-based project which I have started in Mitchells Plain. Its a community that I grew up in. The aim was to boost the community through my career and use cricket as a way to get through to the children. Starting from primary school scholars. Helping children further their education through sport and be motivated to do better and also keep away from the streets. This project is to bring them together all in the name of cricket. Due to my busy schedule, I cannot always be there hands-on; therefore I have hired people that I trust to run to the best of their abilities and keep it going. If anyone wants to get involved in any way they wish; the best person to speak to is Jamaine Cloete who I have hired to be the project manager. He will explain in detail and direct anyone who wants to play a part in building this project further.

The L.A Dosage: Your advice for aspiring cricketers?

JP Duminy: Anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Sacrifice. Put in the necessary work needed and always aim to give your all. 

It is always heartwarming when our role models are always striving to pay it forward and make our communities a better place, like what JP Duminy has done for the children and using sport as initiative to break through.

Anyone that wishes to get involved can do so by going to the JP21 Project page JP21 Project or speak to the project manager Jamaine Cloete on the following:

Cell: 0726065014

Email: jamaine@jp21project.co.za

To know more about JP and keep up with his cricket career you may do so on the following:

Twitter: @jpduminy21

Website: JP Duminy

Project: @JP21Project 

Till next time. . .