Want to be remembered as a player who put the team first, asserts JP Duminy

Want to be remembered as a player who put the team first, asserts JP Duminy

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JP Duminy revealed that he intends to be remembered as a player who put the team’s needs ahead of his individual goals as he announced his retirement from international cricket. Duminy has represented South Africa in 46 Test matches, 80 T20Is and 199 ODI matches since making his debut in 2004.

Jean-Paul Duminy looked emotional after South Africa’s win against Australia on Saturday. The 35-year old cricketer along with Imran Tahir announced their decision to retire from international cricket. The all-rounder, who donned the Proteas cap for 15 long years, added that it was time for him to look beyond the 50-over format but said that he will continue to feature in franchise-based T20 leagues and local cricket. 

Duminy, who represented South Africa in 46 Test matches, 80 T20Is and 199 ODI matches, ends his career with an average of 32.85 in Tests and 36.81 in ODIs. The former Mumbai Indians player revealed that he would like to be remembered as a team player rather than someone who worked towards individual goals.

"Whatever the team required. That was kind of my mindset. Yes, personal accolades are great but it was never about...whatever the team needed at any given time, that was always my main focus. I hope my team-mates saw that and that's something I will be remembered for. The numbers produced are not going to go up against some of the best, and that's okay with me. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and the experience I have had. Again, in 10 years' time, it's not about the numbers you want to be remembered for. It's about the person you are," Duminy was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Meanwhile, South African captain Faf du Plessis also heaped praise on his long-time teammate as he labeled Duminy as a ‘father figure’ within the South African dressing room.

"JP has been the father figure of the team for a long time now, he's been my soundboard in the team, he's a very wise man. So it's always nice for me to have him around to talk to him about how I'm feeling, what's the team's feeling. He's the guy that has the conversations with guys in the team just how they are feeling, how they are going, so he is the father figure in the side.

"He's just got an incredible amount of passion and love for the game of cricket and he really commits to whichever team he plays for because he's such a big-hearted player. He's got the same amount of energy everywhere he goes. If he is playing a domestic game or international game. He is, hands down, South Africa's hands best celebrator ever, so I hope that people will remember that because that inspires kids. Kids want to do what Immy does," Faf du Plessis added.

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