Star player’s leadership shines in SA20 despite World Cup snub, says JP Duminy

Former South Africa batter JP Duminy hails Tristan Stubbs’ leadership skills in SA20, highlighting his ability to guide Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the top, even after being left out of the T20 World Cup squad.

Former South Africa batter JP Duminy believes Tristan Stubbs has shown excellent leadership skills by taking Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the top of the SA20 standings, despite being left out of South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad. Duminy has backed the young star to achieve great things in the ongoing tournament.

Stubbs emerging as a key player for South Africa and IPL

Stubbs, 25, is considered one of the most exciting young batters in world cricket. He has gradually become a key player for South Africa across all formats and is a proven finisher for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

World Cup snub due to recent lean form

However, a recent lean patch in T20Is meant Jason Smith was picked ahead of him for the T20 World Cup, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Despite this disappointment, Stubbs has thrived as a captain for the first time in the SA20, although he has scored just 28 runs in five games so far.

Duminy highlights Stubbs leadership qualities

“Again, I think it’s a great opportunity to shift focus. There’s no doubt there’d be disappointment for him. He’s been part of pretty much all formats for a period of time, and to miss out would be really disappointing for him. But I think the opportunity from a leadership standpoint is that it shifts focus onto other people and other teams.

“It’s great to see him in that leadership role. I think he’s got great leadership qualities, and the leadership quality that I think stands out for me, and I know he hasn’t put in major performances just yet.

“But he’s certainly somebody who comes to mind as leading through performance. Like, follow me, I’ll show you the way, and that’s a great leadership quality to have. I have no doubt that he’ll do some amazing stuff in this SA20,” Duminy told IANS while addressing the Indian media in a virtual session facilitated by SA20 on Thursday.

Stubbs ready if called as replacement in T20 World Cup

Duminy also feels Stubbs will be ready to perform with the bat if a chance arises as a replacement player in next month’s mega event.

“Hopefully, if an opportunity arises, we’ve often seen in times past where injuries occur. We’ve certainly seen it as a South African team as well. Obviously, there’s some late-minute call-ups, and he certainly wants to give himself the best chance to make sure he’s ready for that, if any,” he added.

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