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Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has revealed the simple secrets behind successful wicketkeeping. He also explained why the great MS Dhoni is different from any other keeper in world cricket and advised players not to emulate the iconic captain.
Karthik is currently in England as part of the broadcast 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 fundamentals of wicketkeeping, recently appointed London Spirit coach Dinesh Karthik stressed that everything starts with the right stance. The former Indian star further explained that a wicketkeeper should remain comfortable, keep the feet shoulder-width apart, maintain full eye on the ball and ensure that the hands are in the right position while waiting for the delivery.
He explained that when the ball travels away from the body, the keeper’s head should move along with the ball. This helps in maintaining balance and increases the chances of taking a clean catch.
“Two things I would say is the stance, which is very comfortable, shoulder width apart, hands in the middle, full view of the ball over the head, and the last thing, when you’re trying to take the ball, the palms are always facing the ball,” Dinesh Karthik said on Sky Sports.
MS Dhoni is an anomaly: Dinesh Karthik
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is considered one of the greatest wicketkeepers the game has ever seen and has been inspiring 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 which not many people can do. We always talk about a gift as a keeper. You let the ball come so you let the ball go into your gloves. You really shouldn’t hear any noise.”
Dinesh Karthik tells young wicketkeepers, don’t try to follow MS Dhoni
Cricket pundits have told young wicketkeepers to avoid the idea of copying Dhoni as he is very special and his innate ability has made him so successful.
He signed off by saying, “MS Dhoni was the opposite. He has this innate ability to almost feel the ball, and he is here. So, it’s like his hands are not coming towards the ball; it’s actually going to the ball, and he is able to collect it and do it. Now, in theory, it is very hard, and people who have tried to do that have seen the ball leave his hands many times. He was very special. I would say don’t try and his Chase.”
MS Dhoni vs Dinesh Karthik
Even though MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik had very different international careers, both are still among the greatest wicketkeepers of the game. Dhoni dominated world cricket with 829 dismissals in 538 international matches, which included 634 catches and 195 stumpings.
Karthik, on the other hand, took 172 dismissals with 157 catches and 15 stumpings in 180 matches for India. However, the difference is much smaller in the IPL, where both enjoyed long and successful careers. Dhoni currently tops the list with over 190 dismissals including 40+ stumpings, while Karthik finished his career with 170 dismissals and over 30 stumpings.
