MS Dhoni's unorthodox style has given results says Syed Kirmani
Former India wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani has lauded MS Dhoni for his unorthodox keeping style which has always reaped benefits from an individual and team point of view. Kirmani backed promising keepers such as Naman Ojha, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson to provide competition to veteran MS Dhoni.
Kirmani was the efficient worker ant who replaced the flamboyant Farokh Engineer behind the stumps for India and went on to forge his name as one of the best wicket-keepers the country has ever produced. Then came MS Dhoni, with his unorthodox methods and lightning fast hands, the Ranchi-born cricketer became the undisputed number one behind the stumps for the Men in Blue.
Kirmani had always been recognized for his emphasis on technique and skill, but the veteran conceded that when it comes to Dhoni, one need not focus on technique as he always delivers on the pitch.
“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,” Kirmani said in a recent interview to Deccan Chronicle.
Kirmani was an integral part of the 1983 World-Cup winning squad led by the great Kapil Dev and played an important role guarding the stumps for the Indian team. Dhoni had often been criticised for his irregular technique but came through eventually with distinguished results.
“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?” Kirmani added.
When questioned as to who is the best keeper in the Indian team at present, Kirmani refused to single out any single player for praise as said that consistency is key if a player wants to play in all three formats.
“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,” the 68-year old said.