R. Sridhar, India’s former fielding coach, spoke about M.S. Dhoni’s wicketkeeping habits. He said that after playing international cricket for about 8-9 years, Dhoni didn’t really practice wicketkeeping much. The reason was simple: playing all three formats of the game was taking a toll on his body and his fingers were feeling it.
Though Dhoni’s technique wasn’t always textbook, he became one of the best wicketkeepers in cricket. His fast stumpings, sharp instincts and great understanding of the game made him one of the smartest minds in cricket.
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Use to practice wicketkeeping a lot
Sridhar told Cricket.com that when Dhoni was younger and trying to make a name for himself in international cricket, especially before 2007 or even 2005, he used to practice wicketkeeping a lot.
He had practiced a lot and he himself admitted that once he started playing all three formats for India, he was so busy that he didn’t need to practice anymore because his fingers were suffering, catching balls and throws behind the stumps.
Sridhar said that Dhoni cleverly reduced his workload as a wicketkeeper. Instead of long practice sessions, he did quick reaction drills to stay sharp and keep his glove work fast.
During his time as India’s fielding coach, R. Sridhar worked with both Wriddhiman Saha and M.S. Dhoni. He said that Saha was the best wicketkeeper he had ever seen up close.
Speaks about Wriddhiman Saha
Sridhar said that Saha is one of the best wicketkeepers he has worked with. He learns very fast and knows what he needs to improve on. He has great gloves and is a great person to have on the team. He is a great team player and the dedication he brought to the team as a wicketkeeper was amazing.
Sridhar said that Saha wasn’t the most talkative guy behind the stumps, but the confidence he gave to the captain and bowlers was huge. They knew Saha was reliable. Sridhar said he hadn’t seen Saha drop many catches or make many mistakes. Saha is definitely one of the top two wicketkeepers he has ever seen and he considers him the best he has seen up close.
Dhoni’s career as wicketkeeper
Dhoni finished his international career with 829 dismissals behind the stumps, 634 catches and a record 195 stumpings. That’s how good he was as one of the smartest wicketkeepers in cricket.
At 44, he is still going strong. In the recent IPL with Chennai Super Kings, he had 6 catches and 5 stumpings, he hasn’t lost his skills. Sridhar worked with Dhoni from August 2014 to November 2021 and first met him at the National Cricket Academy in 2011.
Now retired from international cricket, the CSK legend is enjoying life and only plays in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
