Specialist 'keeper doesn't exist anymore: Syed Kirmani

CHENNAI: As someone who always stresses the importance of proper technique for wicket-keepers, Syed Kirmani says he doesn’t mind if unorthodox ways such as M.S. Dhoni’s deliver desired results.

Kirmani, who was in the city to present an award to R. Ashwin, said the trend has changed over the years. “Current coaches are not looking at technique; all they want is results. And, that is what Dhoni has done — he has given results. You don’t have to talk about technique at all (these days) because it simply does not matter,” said Kirmani, an integral member of India’s 1983 World Cup winning team.  

The 68-year-old, however, said Dhoni should be assessed by his contribution to Indian cricket rather than his technique. “Dhoni faced criticism during the 2011 World Cup. Commentators raised questions over his technique —  on ’keeping as well as batting. He has taken the country to the top in all three formats, and has led from the front. He has all the credentials of a greater leader and is one of the most consistent batsmen alongside Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and V. V. S. Laxman. What more do you want? You want his technique or the result that he has given?” he added

Kirmani, however, refused single out a name when asked who is India’s best wicket-keeper now? “They are all in the process of becoming good. They have to be better to be the best. There are promising names such as Wriddhiman Saha, Dinesh Karthik, Parthiv Patel, Naman Ojha, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. They are all good competitors, but can't be the best at the moment. Whoever shows consistency and delivers will be there in all the three formats,” he said.

Kirmani said the idea of a specialist wicket-keeper is long gone. “The teams want a batsman who can keep wickets. This is because they can add another player to the team as an all-rounder. Keeping this in mind, Rahul Dravid stood behind the stumps and even K. L. Rahul has kept wickets. As long as it is beneficial for the team, it is welcome. But let’s face it; the idea of a specialist wicketkeeper is gone. Teams don’t consider a specialist wicketkeeper anymore and it has happened across the world,” he said.