THE STIRRING performances by the emerging star of Team India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, have inspired the youngsters to take up wicket-keeping. This is evident on the playgrounds of the City.
Gone the days when children only wanted to become a batsmen or a bowler. After Dhoni’s popularity, they have started thinking seriously about career in wicket-keeping.
Though fewer players are seen on grounds these days because of the schools exams being near, several of those who turn up at Old Campion Ground are practicing hard to become a good cricketer.
Among them are wicketkeepers like Saurabh Khadse, Abhimanyu Pandey and others. “After Kirmani, it is Dhoni who has proved that wicketkeeper is a key man among eleven players. His role makes a big difference in team’s win”, said Saurabh. His father Suresh Khadse was also a good cricketer of his time.
Regarding the importance of a glove-man, senior coach Suresh Chenani said that wicket-keeping is the toughest job in cricket. “You have to stand behind wickets for 50 overs in one-day matches and for the entire day in Test matches. Besides, you have to perform in batting too. Failure of wicketkeeper in batting puts pressure on other batsmen”, said Chenani. He said Dhoni’s success in international arena would definitely inspire budding cricketers.
Regarding the qualities of a good wicketkeeper, he said that concentration is the key for any good glove-man. “His single miss in stumping or catching scripts any team’s win or lose”, he said. From Bhopal, Ankit Shrivastava was a good name in wicket-keeping and proved his talent in batting too.
{{/usCountry}}Regarding the qualities of a good wicketkeeper, he said that concentration is the key for any good glove-man. “His single miss in stumping or catching scripts any team’s win or lose”, he said. From Bhopal, Ankit Shrivastava was a good name in wicket-keeping and proved his talent in batting too.
{{/usCountry}}At present Mohsin Ali of St Michael’s Cricket Academy (SMCA) is the only wicketkeeper of the City representing under-15, under-17 and under-19 Bhopal Division cricket teams. “Teams have realised the importance of wicketkeeper. A good glove-man’s contribution is important for any team’s win”, said SMCA coach Syed Shakeel Mohammad.