IPL 2014: Delhi Daredevils' JP Duminy relishing role of a finisher

JP Duminy

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS): Delhi Daredevils batsman JP Duminy said here on Tuesday that he is enjoying his role of batting down the order in the 7th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The South African is currently the highest run-scorer for the Delhi outfit in IPL 2014 with two unbeaten half-centuries and is relishing his role of a finisher. He has scored 240 runs at an average of 80 this season.

“I am enjoying my role in the team. It is not anything different, coming in at different situations. In the first game I came in pretty early but off late I have batted in the extended part of the innings and it has been a great success so far. For now probably, I am going to stick to batting down as we have a strong top order,” Duminy said.

The left-handed batsman played down questions of batting under pressure lower down the order in the death overs.

“Anywhere you bat, there is pressure. Playing in a high pressure game, you are going to feel it no matter what stage of the match you walk in. But a few years of international cricket and IPL, you understand the role you play in. Reading the situation is key,” the 30-year-old said.

However, despite the South African batting so well, the Daredevils have not been able to make the most of his talent and are languishing at the 7th spot in the points table with 5 losses out of 7 games.

“Unfortunately we have not put down the results the way we would have liked. There are still seven games to go and we still have an outside chance. If we get one or two wins under out belt and get a bit of confidence out of that, we can find a good form of run,” said Duminy.

“Some things have not gone our away. We haven’t collectively put our performances together. When we have bowled reasonably well, we have not backed it with our batting and vice-versa. But we are heading in the right direction. We are a new squad that is gelling well together and in the long run we are going to put up good performances.”