A very well-used phrase in cricket is “A wicket-keeper is the key element of a team.” Undoubtedly, wicket-keeping is a job that demands a lot. Along with the skill sets, a WK is also rated for the knowledge he/she shares with the bowlers and how he/she adjusts the fielders. The much-needed energy for the team es from the WK. On the whole, it is the primary job of a WK to keep their team afloat.
“One needs to be shrewd enough to be a wicket-keeper; otherwise, the wicket-keeping role will change one to be shrewd enough.”
How is Wicket-keeping in T20s differ from Test and ODIs?
In Tests and ODIs, a WK’s job relies on how he/she reacts to the rare nicks that come with surprise and the tough stumping chances that should be used.
But T20s have propelled WKs to hone their methods. The need for focus and intent gets higher for a wicket-keeper than ODIs.
When playing under captains like Virat Kohli and Du Plessis, who prefer to be boundary line fielders, the responsibility of the wicket-keeper gets doubled as they had to adjust fielders for their skippers.
Related: Wicketkeeping Records in ODIs – Everything You Need to Know
Being good with the bat has become the basic requirement of a WK in this modern era. Rishabh Pant, Mathew Wade, Mohammed Rizwan, Quinton De Kock, Jonny Bairstow, Nicholas Pooran, Jos Buttler, Trisha Chetty, and Alyssa Healy are the present-day stellar. Most of them are a mix of power-hitters and technicians with the blade. Their observation from behind the stumps helps their batting too.
A WK gets to watch every nook of the technique used by the opponent batters, helping them to ascertain the pitch of the ball a little earlier and how it will bounce after pitching.
Unlike other fielders, by getting involved in every ball of the innings, a WK can effectively read the game with much ease. They can identify the flow of the game and decide what is required of what.
Challenges posed by new-age bowlers
For fulfilling the multi-dimensional needs of T20, a WK needs to be strong with his basics too. The glove work must be sharpened and the quick movement behind the stumps must be molded.
Related: What makes MS Dhoni’s stumpings, the fastest?
Left-arm spinners have become more common in the T20s. Their arm ball needs to be identified along with the ones that turn. Leg spinners always create trouble by holding a wide range of varieties. In addition, the mystery bowlers make keeping more challenging for WKs. Above all, the speed the spinners get to bowl has increased in the T20s. To be in this busy business, one needs to be updated with all these programs.
