‘In IPL keeping has taken backseat’

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Syed Kirmani is not a typical old-timer who prefers to ‘keep away’ from the glitz and fervor of the Indian Premier League, but he maintains that the art of wicket keeping has been crouched down in the high-octane gala.

The world cup winning keeper who was in town attending a private function said wicket keeping technique has taken the back seat, especially in the IPL.

“Most often you find ‘ball stoppers’ behind the wicket and they just want to get their bodies in the way to prevent a boundary,” said Kiri.

“Wicket keeping is not seen as a specialist position in the IPL, as most teams prefer to accommodate an extra batsman in the place. I had a chat with Ray Jennings and even he has nothing to say about it,” he said.

“The truth is teaching wicket keeping technique is not in the priority list anymore. I have never been asked by the National Cricket Academy to teach the art because they say I don’t know the theory,” he says fondling that trademark mustache.

However, Kiri conceded that he is an IPL fan. “I do enjoy IPL, especially the cheerleaders’ part in it,” said the legendary bald man of Indian cricket before bursting into a boisterous laughter.