The challenges of 'keeping in England
Mahendra Singh Dhoni appeared in line to gather the ball. The sphere swung at the last moment and the Indian captain dropped what looked like a regulation ‘take'. This was a common sight in England this summer during India's 4-0 drubbing in the Test series. Dhoni struggled to cope with the dynamics of the moving ball with the big gloves.
Former India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, arguably the last natural 'keeper to represent the country, sympathised with Dhoni's plight.
The 41-year-old Mongia, who toured England with the Indian team in '96, told The Hindu: “Keeping wickets to pacemen in England can be as hard as standing up to spinners in the sub-continent. The ball does funny things in the air even after it passes the stumps. There is cloud cover, the atmosphere is heavy, the outfield is lush green and there invariably is a stiff breeze blowing across the ground. And to make a 'keeper's job more demanding, the nature of the light on the field keeps changing.”
Mongia said it was easier for him to bring about the necessary changes in his technique since India played a welter of first class practice games ahead of the Test series in the Old Blighty.
“Initially even I had difficulties, since we Indians are not used to these conditions, but the chinks were ironed out in the side matches. In England, it is very, very important to play these games before a Test series. Sadly, Dhoni did not get the opportunity to adapt and his confidence levels dropped as the series progressed.”
Adjustments
What were the technical adjustments that a 'keeper needed to make in England? Mongia, who scored 1,442 runs at 24.03, took 99 catches and effected eight stumpings in 44 Tests, replied: “There is late swing, both away and inwards. The ball wobbles in the air. A 'keeper needs to keep the ball under his eye. And his shoulders have to be flexible and not stiff as he has to change directions with the ball. I felt Dhoni's shoulders were stiff and this was the principal reason for his problems as a 'keeper in the English conditions.”
Enabling the ball to ease into his gloves is the hallmark of a genuine 'keeper. Mongia said, “A 'keeper needs to be in a crouching position and his weight, equally distributed, should rest on his toes. It's vital that he gets up with the ball. While gathering, a 'keeper's fingers should be pointing towards the ground and not at the ball. He has to watch the ball all the way into his gloves, collect with soft hands,” he explained.
He also emphasised on reflexes. “Even if you get the technical aspect rights, your reflexes still need to be good as you grapple with the ball's unexpected behaviour. The ball swinging away from you late can be particularly difficult to gather. It is here that you need to be quick, dynamic and have the spring in your feet. If you follow the right methods, you have a better chance of success in such conditions.”
Mongia said, “In Australia and South Africa, a 'keeper can get up a little early because of the extra bounce. This is not the case in England.”
‘Dhoni has improved'
Dhoni, who has 3,242 runs at 38.14, 173 catches and 25 stumpings from 61 Tests, had improved as a 'keeper since his early days, says Mongia. “Despite a disappointing series in England, he has evolved as a 'keeper, is safe with the big gloves. But this series has been a setback for him.”
Mongia was impressed with Matt Prior — he made 271 runs at a stunning 67.75 runs apart from 'keeping efficiently for most part of the recently concluded Test series. In 47 Tests, Prior has 2,549 runs at a laudable 44.71 apart from 144 catches and six stumpings.
“Prior's 'keeping has really come on. He is doing the job with better technique and greater self-belief,” added Mongia.
The former India stumper said the BCCI should consider appointing a wicketkeeping coach or a consultant for the team who could stay with the side during a series at home or abroad. “It is a specialist job. Keeping wickets with minimum errors can be very, very critical to the fortunes of a side. It has also been a much neglected area. You need a 'keeping coach for the National side.”
And who is the most promising young wicketkeeper on the Indian scene? “I think it is Wriddhiman Saha. I watched him in domestic matches and was impressed by the flow in his 'keeping, the quality of his gathering while standing back to the pacemen or standing up to the spinners. He seems to have quick hands,” Mongia said.
Mongia also believed Dhoni would fight back. “He is mentally strong and can take setbacks in his stride,” he said.
The issue of 'keeping wicket, rightly, is once again in the centre-stage.
