It Is Rather Unfortunate, Syed Kirmani Not In Favor Of Wicketkeepers Disturbing Batsman’s Focus

India’s legendary wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani has said that it is unfortunate that the wicketkeepers of today’s generation find nothing wrong in disturbing the batsman’s concentration by engaging in a chat with them during the play.

He further said that he was not a fan of wicketkeepers like Rishabh Pant who constantly chirp behind the wicket, even when the bowler has started his run-up and is about the bowl. Though the broadcasters love Pant and other similar wicketkeepers like Tim Paine’s banter, as it gives them better ratings, Kirmani finds it unfair.

It’s Not Fair Cricket And You Have To Play Like A Gentleman: Syed Kirmani On Keeper’s Chatter On Batsman

Syed Kirmani played 88 Tests and 49 ODIs for India from 1976-1986. He made 2759 runs in Tests with 2 centuries and 12 fifties, and 373 runs in ODIs with the best score of 48*. He also made 198 dismissals behind the stumps in Tests and 36 dismissals in ODIs.

Kirmani was also part of India’s 1983 World Cup and had played an important part in India’s victory against Zimbabwe in a league game, in which Kapil Dev made 175* at Tunbridge Wells. He is regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeepers India produced who was athletic and kept to the four spin wizards of that generation.

“It is rather unfortunate. Chats from wicketkeepers were happening during my time too. There have been instances of wicketkeepers disturbing the concentration of the batsmen. It’s not fair cricket. You have to play like a gentleman, and not be a cause for fines,” said Kirmani at a press conference to address his YouTube chat show Kirmani’s Pitch-Perfect.

Syed Kirmani also talked about the current situation with Indian wicketkeepers and found only two worthy contenders for the spot in KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

“India have only two wicketkeepers in contention — Rahul and Rishabh. It is all about consistency in performances. They are both great performers,” Kirmani said.

Rishabh Pant recently salvaged his Test career with a superlative performance on spin tracks against England in Chennai and Ahmedabad, apart from his batting exploits. Meanwhile, KL Rahul has been the first-choice wicketkeeper in limited-overs since 2020, when he replaced Rishabh Pant in both ODIs and T20Is.

Also Read: I Was Not Stressed Despite The High Competition In The Indian Team: KL Rahul