Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has revealed the simple secrets behind successful wicketkeeping. He also explained why legendary MS Dhoni was unlike any other keeper in world cricket and advised the players not to follow the iconic captain.
Karthik is currently in England as part of the broadcasting team for the ongoing three-match Test series between the England cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team.
Dinesh Karthik reveals the golden rules of wicketkeeping
Speaking about the basics of wicketkeeping, the recently appointed London Spirit coach Dinesh Karthik stressed that everything starts with the right stance. The former Indian star has further explained that a wicketkeeper must stay comfortable, keep the feet shoulder-width apart, maintain full sight of the ball, and ensure the hands are in the correct position while waiting for the delivery.
He explained that when the ball moves away from the body, the keeper’s head should move along with the ball. This helps maintain balance and improves the chances of taking a clean catch.
Dinesh Karthik said on Sky Sports, “The two things that I would say are stance, which is very comfortable, shoulder-width apart, hands in between, head having full vision of the ball, and the last one, when you’re trying to take the ball, palms always facing the ball.”
MS Dhoni is an anomaly: Dinesh Karthik
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeepers the game has ever seen and continues to inspire many aspiring cricketers. Now, Karthik revealed why the former Indian captain was so different from other wicketkeepers around the world.
Karthik further said, “MS Dhoni is an anomaly. He did something very special not many could do. We always speak about a gift as a keeper. You allow the ball to come so that you just allow the ball to nestle into your gloves. You literally shouldn’t be hearing any sound.”
Don’t try and follow MS Dhoni: Dinesh Karthik to young wicketkeepers
The cricket pundit has asked the young wicketkeepers to avoid the idea of trying to copy Dhoni because he was very special and his intuitive ability made him so successful.
He signed off by saying, “MS Dhoni was the opposite. He has this intuitive ability to almost feel the ball, and he is here. So, it’s like he doesn’t have the hands coming towards the ball; it’s actually going at the ball, and he’s able to collect it and do it. Now, in principle, it is very hard, and people who’ve tried to do it have a lot of times seen the ball pop out of their hands. He was very special. I would say don’t try and follow him.”
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MS Dhoni vs Dinesh Karthik
Even though MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik had very different international careers, both remain among the greatest wicketkeepers in the game. Dhoni dominated world cricket with 829 dismissals in 538 international matches, including 634 catches and 195 stumpings.
On the other hand, Karthik finished with 172 dismissals from 180 games for India with 157 catches and 15 stumpings to his name. However, the gap is much smaller in the IPL, where both enjoyed long and successful careers. Dhoni currently leads with over 190 dismissals, including 40+ stumpings, while Karthik finished his career with 170 dismissals and more than 30 stumpings.
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Author: Rashmi Wasnik
