'Not sure if KL Rahul has the gifted wicketkeeping ability' - Syed Kirmani believes Rishabh Pant should be properly groomed

Over the years, there has been a significant change in the role assigned to a wicketkeeper. Along with donning the gloves, a modern-day wicketkeeper also has the responsibility of contributing with his willow.

Earlier, wicketkeepers were judged only on the basis of their work behind the stumps. However, with the passage of time and the increase in the level of the sport, teams are now more inclined towards picking a wicketkeeper on the basis of his batting exploits.

Talking about Team India’s current situation, MS Dhoni’s truancy from the sport has left a huge void. The Ranchi stalwart duly performed the role of a skipper, a wicketkeeper and a batsman. Post his departure, Rishabh Pant was given the opportunity to step in his shoes. However, the Delhi lad was often criticized for his poor glovework and irresponsible batting approach.

To add to Pant’s woes, India’s makeshift wicketkeeper KL Rahul performed exceedingly well and established his place in the limited-overs format. Former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani, while dishing out his two cents on the scenario, said that he is not sure if Rahul possesses the ‘gifted ability’ to keep the wickets.

According to Kirmani, a wicketkeeper has to be born with good vision and agility. He even opined that Pant missed out on many chances but the youngster needs to be properly groomed.

Wicketkeeping is the most thankless job: Syed Kirmani

“Do the knowledgeable know that a wicketkeeper has to be born? When I say born, he or she has to be gifted with “good vision, supported with athletic agility, reflexes, sense of anticipation.

I am not sure if KL Rahul possesses this gifted ability, I have only seen this lad batting all by himself on a bowling machine at the NCA, before representing Karnataka. When he started keeping wickets, I don’t know. All the Best to him,” said Kirmani as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“Yes, Pant did not capitalize on the chances provided to him. Wicketkeeping is the most thankless and difficult job in cricket and I believe Pant has to be properly groomed. I agree that talent has to be encouraged, but mind you, in every profession, talented and promising youngsters have to be under the study of experienced seniors,” he added.

Kirmani further said that Pant is immensely skilled and he can’t flourish overnight. It takes a couple of seasons for a player to bloom, according to Kirmani.

“Otherwise a lot of water will go under the bridge by the time the youngster comes up to the expectations. Pant is immensely skilled. That skill will bloom and flourish with experience, it cannot be overnight. It will take a minimum of two seasons if one is a quick learner,” concluded Kirmani.