The Idea of Specialist Wicket-Keepers Have Gone Out of the Window - Syed Kirmani

One of the finest wicket-keepers ever produced by India, Syed Kirmani, in a recent interaction claimed the trend of picking up specialist wicketkeepers has gone out of the window.

According to Kirmani, to accommodate all-rounders, makeshift wicketkeepers are given the opportunity with the gloves.

Kirmani, who was part of the famous 1983 World Cup winning squad, professed teams have an affinity towards an extra batsman. Personnel who can keep wickets apart from being handy with the bat are often preferred over specialist keepers.

“This is a trend that has come in cricket in general. The teams want a batsman who can keep wickets also. It is because they can add another player to the team as an all-rounder,” replied Kirmani when asked about the trend developing in cricket off-late.

When asked whether the modern tendency is beneficial to the game, Kirmani affirmed as long as team gain the advantage; the move must be welcomed.

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“As long as it is beneficial for a team, it is welcome. As long as an added all-rounder is beneficial to a makeshift wicket-keeper and batsman — who can bat better than a specialised wicketkeeper — it is welcome,” said Syed Kirmani according to Sportstarlive.

The idea of a specialist wicket-keeper is gone: Kirmani

However, in the modern era, these makeshift keepers often drop crucial catches at crucial junctures of the game. These drops usually have changed the course of matches.

Kirmani feels this is part and parcel of the game. Also, the 68-year old concluded by saying the idea of specialist wicketkeepers on the side is currently out of favour.

“Well, it is all a part and parcel of the game. If there is a costly miss, then it has to be compensated (with the bat). But let’s face it – the idea of a specialist wicket-keeper is gone. The teams don’t consider a specialist wicket-keeper anymore. This happens across the world,” ends Syed Kirmani

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