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'First-class cricket builds your confidence' - Kunderan

Budhi Kunderan on Parthiv Patel's wicketkeeping

Budhi Kunderan made his Test debut nearly 25 years before Parthiv Patel was born. But just like Patel, Kunderan played his first Test before playing a single first-class game. Patel hasn't yet played a single Ranji Trophy match and many pundits think it is the main reason for his poor performance at the Test level. Kunderan spoke to Wisden Cricinfo about the effect of first-class cricket on a wicketkeeper and touched upon Patel's performance behind the stumps.


'Parthiv is going through a bad patch and needs to go back to the basics,' says Kunderan © Getty Images
In hindsight, you think you should have played more first-class cricket before playing Tests?
I wish I had played a couple of years of Ranji Trophy matches. I would probably have had more confidence before playing Test cricket. Apart from natural ability, confidence and concentration are two key points for a wicketkeeper. Playing a lot of first-class cricket really improves your concentration behind the wickets.
What does a wicketkeeper do when he is going through a bad patch?
I think he should go back and play a full season of first-class cricket. That would help him gain a bit more confidence with his keeping. Experience is really important for a wicketkeeper. Once you have a bad patch, the only way to approach it is to go back to the basics. That can only happen in first-class matches.
Is there any particular problem you have noticed in Patel's keeping?
He's played for a few years and done well in the past. He's probably going through a bad patch now but I am curious about his eyesight. I have seen him wear glasses when he is not playing so maybe he is wearing contact lenses when he plays. I am not saying that his eyesight is the problem but it is one thing which may be affecting him. And even small things like this can make a big difference.
Is India the most difficult place to keep wicket?
Yes, probably the most difficult. First of all the pitches are turning and dusty. Then you have to combat the heat with the sweat trickling down your face and getting into your eyes all the time. Even your hands are always sweating and it can get very irritating. So many foreign keepers have done badly in India because of the conditions. Wicketkeeping in England and Australia are easier.