Syed Kirmani not in favour of part-time wicket-keepers in Tests

Kirmai also talked about the increase of T20 leagues all over the world which has resulted to a tight schedule for players resulting to injuries.

MS Dhoni’s sudden retirement from Test cricket gave opportunity to Wriddhiman Saha. He was chosen over Namaj Ojha for his wicket-keeping skills which are suitable for Test cricket.  However, he has to stay out of cricket for few months till he has recovered from the shoulder surgery. According to reports Saha had not recovered from his shoulder injury which he sustained in South Africa but was still playing IPL where he injured his thumb.

This has given opportunity to Dinesh Karthik  in the Test squad as Rishabh Pant has been called as back up. During the South Africa tour Parthiv Patel played the role of second wicket-keeper in the team but his bad form with bat saw him out this time. However, Former selector Syed Kirmani is not in favour of part-time wicket-keepers when it comes to the longest format of the game.

“You miss out on one or two innings and you are out of the team. They are making all batsmen makeshift wicketkeepers. Unfortunately, that is how the selection team is thinking. It reflects on their inexperience,” quoted Kimani for hindustan times.

Kirmai also talked about the increase of T20 leagues all over the world which has resulted to a tight schedule for players resulting to injuries. This has been the case with Mustafizur Rahman as well.

“It’s a phenomenon world over. There is too much cricket. Players have no rest at all. All these injuries are happening because there is no particular technique wicketkeepers are following. If you don’t have that, you can’t last long,” Kirmani said.

One of Dhoni’s highlight as a keeper is his decision while taking the DRS and the way he handles spinners. These facts make him best in the business. Kirmai spoke about how important is a keepers role when it comes to DRS. “The keeper is the best judge of the game. He is the best guide for the bowler and is the right person to set the field. I was so excited when MS Dhoni was appointed captain. And he proved himself so well. That is why I say lay off Dhoni. His experience gives the team a unique edge.”

“The selection pattern is that they don’t want a specialised keeper. They want an additional all-rounder who can stop the ball. The first one to take that place was Rahul Dravid (2003 World Cup). Even KL Rahul is keeping wicket nowadays. Right now, all the state associations are choosing wicketkeepers like that,” Kirmani concluded.