JP Duminy retires from all forms of the game

Former South Africa cricketer JP Duminy has decided to call it day from all forms of the game. He had retired from international cricket soon after the World Cup last year but continued playing the franchise cricket. The southpaw also played in the Global T20 Canada and then represented the Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League. However, ahead of the second season of Mzansi Super League (MSL), he got injured and was ruled out.

Duminy was due to play for the eventual champions Paarl Rocks led by Faf du Plessis. But even while not playing, he continued to stay with the Rocks as the mentor and guided them to their first-ever title. Rather the left-hander was named the MVP in the T20 tournament in Canada and had played a pivotal role in winning the Tridents the CPL title later.

But JP Duminy has now realised that his true value lies inside the dressing room and not on the field anymore. He wants to guide the next generation with his inputs. “My drivers have always been if there is a purpose. When it came to South Africa there was a higher purpose and the kids that look up to you. My ambition is to make it known to younger players about that responsibility.

“It is great to be free and young, but to also be aware of what you do has consequences. With great power comes great responsibility. And playing international cricket you had a degree of purpose,” Duminy was quoted as saying by IOL.

JP Duminy has no regrets about his cricketing career

“I am young enough to play and still earn money from the franchise game, but I am lacking a strong purpose with that. I played CPL and Canadian Premier League. I found at the CPL there is a hunger for young players to seek out older players. I don’t know what’s next. I had to take a bold step of closing a door before I could open the next door,” Duminy further added.

The 35-year-old who is still South Africa‘s leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals has no regrets about his overall career. JP Duminy played 46 Tests, 199 ODIs and 81 T20Is for South Africa besides featuring in 108 FC, 274 List A and 91 T20 matches in his career. He also made a name for himself as an all-rounder during his 15-year-career. And the man has no regrets about how his career progressed and is looking forward to the second innings of his life.

“The journey ebbed and flowed, but there is 100% no regrets. The standout is more about impact and relations developed over the years, particularly with the players. That is something I will always hold dear. It’s been a journey where I doubted myself countless times and also had unbelievable moments. It is these moments that have built me into who I am today.

“People will look at my career and question of “what if?” In regards to the talent I have. I don’t think it has been due to lack of effort put it. I am truly chuffed by the opportunities that I have been given, but it’s now all about looking forward and what’s still in store for me,” Duminy stated.

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