Gilly has made a difference

A wicketkeeper with exceptional batting skills is a super allrounder who saves a place in the XI and Adam Gilchrist is the foremost example, writes S Dinakar in the weekly magazine Sportstar. While he creates havoc with his bat speed and the ability to pick the length early, Gilchrist continues to be reliable behind the stumps.

From a psychological perspective, Gilchrist forces the bowlers into a defensive and negative mind-set, disrupts their rhythm. He, then, inflicts greater damage with his pulls, straight hits and those back-footed punches through the off-side.

Gilchrist has been largely steady and safe behind the stumps if not spectacular. Crucially, he has led with imagination as the Chargers appear to have brushed aside the memories of a disastrous 2008. The West Australian is still fit and hungry. The form of the game might change but a ‘keeper’s value doesn’t.

In the same issue WV Raman says it is rather unfortunate that the Kolkata Knight Riders have persisted with Brendon McCullum as captain even though they have Sourav Ganguly in their line-up. He will have more influence with the local players than a McCullum ever can for the simple reason that Ganguly can convey things in a language that all the players can comprehend.