Former Captain and Wicket Keeper ,Pakistan Cricket team.
A WORD OR TWO
I have had the honour of representing and captaining Pakistan. Long before my days playing U-19 cricket, I grew up watching some of the world’s finest wicketkeepers. Starting from Pakistan’s Wasim Bari to England’s Alan Knott and Bob Taylor, the West Indies’ Deryck and David Murray, and later Jeffery Dujon, Rodney Marsh from Australia, Ken Wadsworth, and Ian Smith from New Zealand. However, Syed Mujtaba Hussain Kirmani from India left an indelible mark with his mastery of standing up to and keeping wickets against some of the best spinners in the world. Each wicketkeeper mentioned here was exceptional and had their strengths. Kiri bhai, however, stood out, keeping against Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Bishan Singh Bedi, and frequently Srinivas Venkataraghavan, the best quartet ever to grace international cricket.
Impressionable he was, and I must acknowledge having adopted his style of collecting the ball and throwing it to the first slip in one fluid motion. If you recall, it was how I kept against Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Aaqib Javed, later Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami, and coming up to the spinner likes of Mushtaq Ahmad, Saqlain Mushtaq, Danish Kaneria et al, I attempted replicating how Kiri Bhai did against some of the best in the world.
When I reflect on wicketkeeping, a position demanding both physical agility, lateral movements, nimble-footedness, and the skill of collecting the ball as taught at the outset, few names resonate as profoundly as Syed Kirmani. As I write these words for his autobiography, I am reminded of the times I watched him with admiration and respect. His career is not just a tale of personal triumph but also a significant chapter in the annals of India’s cricket history.
Syed Kirmani’s career is a testament to dedication, skill, and an unwavering passion for the sport. His contributions behind the stumps were pivotal during an era of rapid cricket evolution. Kirmani’s gloves and astute cricketing mind added resilience to the Indian team, often making the difference in crucial matches.
As a fellow wicketkeeper, I have always been in awe of Kirmani’s technical prowess. His stance, swift movements, and ability to anticipate the ball’s trajectory were almost poetic. Each dive, catch, and stumping were executed with a precision that spoke of countless hours of practice and an innate understanding of the art. His performances in the 1983 World Cup, particularly that crucial ninth-wicket stand of 126 with Kapil Dev after India had slipped to 17-5 against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells, remain etched in memory. Had India lost that day, they would not have advanced to eventually win the tournament, a win that transformed India’s cricket.
However, Kirmani’s story is not just about records and victories. It is about sportsmanship and the camaraderie of cricket fosters. I recall numerous instances on and off the field where Kirmani’s humility and grace were evident. Despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, there was always a mutual respect that transcended the political narrative and that peculiar sense of rivalry. Kirmani epitomized this spirit, always carrying himself with dignity, whether in triumph or adversity.
Reading through his autobiography, one will find more than just a chronicle of matches and milestones. It is a narrative of a life dedicated to cricket, filled with personal anecdotes, challenges, and the joy of representing one’s country. His journey from the bylanes of Bangalore to becoming one of the most revered wicketkeepers in the world is an inspiring tale for any aspiring cricketer.
Kirmani’s story also underscores the evolution of cricket itself—from the days of playing in whites and traditional formats to the fast-paced, colourful world of modern cricket. His adaptability and continued relevance in various roles post-retirement highlight his deep-seated love for the game.
Reflecting on my own career, I realise how much I have learnt from legends like Syed Kirmani. His autobiography is not just a recounting of his life but a valuable piece of cricketing heritage. It offers insights into the mindset of a great wicketkeeper, the strategies that worked, and the ethos that defined his approach to the game.
To all readers and cricket enthusiasts, this book will be an enlightening journey into the world of a true cricketing great. Syed Kirmani’s life, as captured in these pages, is a beacon of dedication, excellence, and the enduring spirit of cricket. It is an honour to write this foreword and to celebrate the legacy of a player who has inspired generations.
Rashid Latif Former Pakistan Captain and Wicketkeeper
