JP Duminy expects tough fight from 'phenomenal' Indian ODI side

Though India’s heroics in Johannesburg didn’t save them the Test series that they lost 2-1, it has surely given South Africa a sign of their intent and abilities. After a frequent batting collapse in the first two Tests that cost India the game after coming agonizingly close to the target, the final Test saw the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane scoring crucial runs to take the game out of South Africa’s reach.

India start the ODI series next from February 1 and the Proteas are well aware of their potential in the limited-overs format. All-rounder JP Duminy, who retired from the longest format last year, chose to overlook the struggles the visitors are facing on the fast tracks, and focus on the fighting spirit of the World No. 2 ODI side.

“They’re a phenomenal team. And you’ve seen over the years they’ve managed to compete in all conditions around the world. You expect nothing less than them giving their best effort and compete in this series. Even though we won the first two Test matches, India competed and that’s what you want to see from high-profile teams. So, it’s great to be part of it. I’m certainly looking forward to an opportunity to perform,” said Duminy.

India’s pace attack has also been immensely lethal to South Africa’s batting order who were wrapped up on all six innings in three Test matches. And Duminy believes that forging partnerships will be the key to get success in the limited-overs format, something SA hardly saw in the Test series.

“The key fundamentals for me in one-day cricket are partnerships with ball and bat. The team that gets that right has the best chance of winning,” said Duminy.

Duminy will take the field against the likes of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, who will be sharing the dressing room with him two months later, as Mumbai Indians bought the all-rounder for 1.85 crores. Duminy was a brilliant buy back in 2009 when he had cost over 6 crores to Mumbai. He boasted of one of the highest IPL averages for Mumbai then, even more than Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya.

“Obviously, having been part of the IPL for a number of years and playing against the Indian team, you do end up playing against a lot of your potential teammates in the IPL. But right now, you know you’re going to be competitive, you want to win and you want to put big performances against the opposition. I don’t think see anything different,” he said.

“But yes, in a few months’ time, we’ll be teammates and at that time, obviously it’ll be about putting the past in the past and concentrating on winning the IPL. I’m really happy to be back with the Mumbai Indians. It all started for me in Mumbai and I’m looking forward to contribute to that team again,” Duminy added.