IPL 2016: JP Duminy speaks about South Africa quota row and Rahul Dravid's influence on DD

The recent controversy surrounding the quota policy has threatened to wreak havoc in South African cricket. However, senior member JP Duminy played down the situation by claiming that the players do not read much into it.

In a free-wheeling chat with cricket.com.au, Duminy called for the problem to be addressed by the selectors. He asserted, “I don’t think it affects the players at all. From a managerial point of view, it can have an impact and makes their job difficult. But from a dressing room point of view, the color of the skin doesn’t matter.”

The 32-year old added, “When it comes to playing for the national team, we feel that you have been picked on merit for your abilities. There is always going to be politics around various selection issues and it is not just with South Africa. But for us, as players, we don’t get involved with that. Our sole job is to play out there on the field and we focus on that.“

Duminy also lauded Mentor Rahul Dravid’s role in revamping the Delhi Daredevils set-up. He quipped, “He brings a different dimension to our team and the type of character he is, he wears his heart on his sleeve. And he commits a hundred percent to whatever he puts his mind to. That’s what you want from a coach, that he understands his players.“

“I think man management, from a player’s point of view, is very crucial in these types of tournaments. The way he manages us as international players gives us the tools to be successful as a team.”

The left-hander felt that playing in the IPL helped him evolve as a cricketer. Duminy affirmed, “I have enjoyed it immensely while playing for different teams and the great thing about the IPL is that you build friendships outside your own country.

“You get to understand the different cultures within one team and that’s been the most rewarding part of being in the IPL, apart from the playing experience in front of packed crowds.”

Crediting the tournament for being an eye-opener on how to play on Indian pitches, the all-rounder revealed, “Most international players have now played in the Indian conditions and it has sort of neutralized that advantage in terms of playing here, whether in IPL or on international tours.”