Kolkata: He has scored more than 10,000 runs in international cricket and is India’s most successful wicketkeeper over 200 Test dismissal but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Thursday said he is neither a specialist batsman nor an extraordinary wicketkeeper.
Legendary West Indian wicketkeeper Jeffrey Dujon had praised Dhoni last week, saying he admired the India skipper for his efficient wicket-keeping and for all-round skills.
“It’s a big compliment for me. I am more of a package then a specialist. I’m neither an extraordinary batsman nor a specialist keeper,” Dhoni said smilingly when asked to react to Dujon’s comments.
“It’s all about doing the things right. It does not matter how you catch the ball, take the edges and do stumpings. It’s important to score at that point of the time as it’s really good for the side.
“I’m really happy for the compliments. It’s a constant process. I hope to keep doing well and keep grooming the department you specialise. I hope I will be a specialist one day,” he said.
Dhoni has scored 10,363 runs across the three formats of the game and recently surpassed Syed Kirmani to become India’s most successful wicketkeeper in Tests with more than 200 wickets.
He is ranked seventh in the list of wicketkeepers with highest dismissals. He has 465 scalps to his name.
Dhoni criticises Eden pitch again
The Eden Gardens track once again drew criticism from Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for being too flat without any turn and bounce as the home side struggled to bowl out West Indies in their second innings before coasting to a series-clinching victory.
Dhoni said the spinners did not get any turn or bounce as they persisted with tight line and length, giving occasional flights.
“I would like to see a wicket where it turns more and the spinners get the bounce on a consistent basis. Because that’s what India is known for. Hopefully we will be able to get those kind of wickets,” Dhoni said after the match. (PTI)
