Exclusive: JP Duminy Backs ‘Miracle-Making’ Proteas to Seal Historic Series Win in India

The Proteas are riding a wave of confidence on their tour of India, fresh off a historic ICC World Test Championship final victory over Australia last season, a triumph few predicted. 

Their resilience, belief, and ability to defy expectations continue to impress one of their own: former South African all-rounder and assistant coach JP Duminy.

Proteas on the Rise in India

South Africa have taken an assailable lead in the two-Test series, clinching a long-awaited victory in the opening match, their first Test win on Indian soil in years. Despite missing the experience and firepower of Kagiso Rabada in the second Test, the visitors have positioned themselves strongly, fuelled by the confidence of recent success and a hardened mindset.

Duminy believes the team’s ability to rise to big occasions has become their defining characteristic.

“If the 1st Test is anything to go by, anything is possible. We have seen this team do miraculous things, look at the World Test Championship final, for example, players really standing up,” Duminy told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“Shuks [Shukri Conrad] often speaks about it: there aren’t really any superstars there, but their ability to grind out victories stands out.”

With momentum behind them, Duminy feels the Proteas have every reason to believe they can close out the series.

“I think there is a sense of confidence they can win the 2nd Test. We certainly have a chance.”

Bavuma’s Steely Leadership

Temba Bavuma, often thrust into the spotlight for reasons beyond cricket, earned special praise from Duminy for his resilience and leadership.

“From personal experience, I have played with and coached Temba. He is one of the steadiest characters out there, with all the noise he has had to deal with,” said Duminy.

“His ability to continuously grind out innings and lead from the front stands up.”

Duminy credits Bavuma for forging a strong partnership with head coach Shukri Conrad, an axis that has shaped South Africa’s new-look identity.

“Temba is the type of character who, when he speaks, people listen. His intuition has been spot on. He has created a formidable partnership with Shukri and they have done a fabulous job.”

Back in the Coaching Frame?

Recently spotted assisting Western Province alongside long-time friend Rory Kleinveldt, Duminy admits that coaching still holds a special place in his heart. 

The pair, who once shared classrooms at Plumstead High School and years in provincial colours, are now working together in the Western Province setup.

“It’s great being back. It brings back good memories, being in the Newlands changeroom again and doing it with Rory. We actually went to school together. We both sort of advanced to the coaching space after playing… I love what he is doing here.”

He believes success will follow for Kleinveldt.

“He was always a free-spirited person when he played, and now he is leading in the coaching group. I believe the trophies will come for them.”

When asked about returning to the national coaching fold, Duminy didn’t rule out the possibility.

“There is always a want and desire to coach at the highest level. It was just a stage in my life where I had to take a step back, but who knows? Coaching South Africa was a privilege, it was special early in my coaching career. To do it with coaches like Rob Walter and Eric Simons gave me the chance to learn from the best out there.”

A return isn’t imminent, but Duminy left the door open.

“Who knows, in the next five or so years what things look like for me."