JP Duminy Breaks Down India’s Top-Order Equation if Sanju Samson Replaces Tilak Varma at Mr. Cricket UAE Podcast
UAE , Feb 23: In the latest episode of the newly launched Mr. Cricket UAE Podcast, South African cricket legend JP Duminy shared candid insights on India’s dominance in ICC tournaments, tactical approaches for an India vs South Africa clash, key player matchups, and his predictions for the tournament.
Speaking in conversation with host Mr. Anis Sajan (popularly known as Mr. Cricket UAE), Duminy analysed India’s big-match temperament and evolving team combinations.
“India Always Bring Their Best in ICC Events”
Reflecting on India’s record in global tournaments, Duminy said:
“There’s no doubt about it that when it comes to knockout tournaments like World Cups, Champions Trophies and the likes, you always feel that India brings out their best. India goes into World Cups, in particular this one, as one of the favorites, if not the favorite. Home conditions and playing really, really good cricket.”
Toss Tactics: Chasing in Ahmedabad
On what the South African captain should opt for at the toss in Ahmedabad, Duminy pointed to conditions and match timing as decisive factors:
“I think chasing seems to be effective there in Ahmedabad. It also depends on timing. It’s an evening game. You might have noticed in earlier games that bowlers probably have a favourable start in the first 10 overs. But because it’s in the evening, I’d probably go along the lines of chasing.”
Sanju Samson at No. 3? A Tactical Balancing Act
Discussing the possibility of Sanju Samson replacing Tilak Varma in the XI, Duminy expressed admiration for Samson’s aggressive approach:
“What I love about Sanju is that it looks like he’s playing that aggressive brand of cricket which India have certainly played for a period of time. He offers a right-handed option at the top of the order if need be. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Sanju coming in.”
At the same time, he acknowledged Tilak Varma’s anchoring value:
“It does put a little bit of pressure on a guy like Tilak Varma coming in early, trying to steady the ship. But it’s a yin-yang situation—you have the strike rates on one side and the anchoring role on the other. Maybe there’s a discussion around defining roles.”
Duminy added that he appreciates the combination of keeping two left-handers at the top, followed by Sanju at No. 3, if India chooses to explore that tactical route.
Players to Watch: India vs South Africa
South Africa
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Batsman: Aiden Markram
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Bowler: Marco Jansen
India
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Batsman: Ishan Kishan
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Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah
Key Indian Impact Players
From a South African perspective, Duminy also highlighted emerging and in-form Indian match-winners.
On Abhishek Sharma, he noted:
“I’ll be looking at Abhishek Sharma, who is one of the best in the world in this format, even though he’s going through a bit of a tough time.”
On Ishan Kishan, he added:
“Ishan Kishan is firing on all cylinders. He is in blazing form and playing fearless cricket much like Abhishek used to at one point.”
Tournament Predictions
Duminy predicted the semi-finalists to be India, South Africa, England, and Pakistan. For the final, he forecasted India and South Africa as the two teams to compete for the title, saying:
“I’ll be happy if India wins tomorrow and we win the finals.”
The episode offers fans and analysts a deep tactical breakdown of potential match scenarios and team combinations ahead of a high-stakes India-South Africa encounter.