Wicket-keeping - a seemingly dormant issue on the rise for Team India
As India were handed a series-deciding 135-run defeat by South Africa at Centurion, certain issues came to the fore. The batting has uncharacteristically flopped, with the batsmen, even Virat Kohli, though his 153 in the first innings was a treat to watch, having their fair share of problems. The bowling has seen India give a fight, with both Test matches going into the final day, but 'well-tried' has slowly found its way out of the lexicon of Indian cricket.
One thing that hasn't, however, is the need for a proper wicket-keeper. With Wriddhiman Saha ruled out of the series against South Africa, Parthiv Patel has donned the gloves, with Dinesh Karthik roped in as the new reserve 'keeper. This, unlike a couple of seasons ago, when India did not even announce a reserve wicket-keeper, happy to have Saha as the lone gloveman in the side. That being said, one commonality that binds these three players, besides their ability with the gloves, is their ages.
Saha is 33, while both Karthik and Parthiv are 32. While the 20+ year-olds of this country may be forgiven for thinking that the latter two, with their boyish faces look like the same precocious teenagers that made their debut in the early 2000s, a big question that needs to be asked is whether India'll be able to find a capable 'keeper-batsman, considering Dhoni is 36, and may most definitely bow out after the World Cup next year.
Not that India haven't tried to address the issue. Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant, two of the obvious contenders for the role, have represented the country, but they haven't been given a fair run. Coupled with the fact that both players had quiet domestic seasons, they are not on the selectors' radar for now. While India may not have any discernible issues till the 2019 World Cup as far as wicket-keeping is concerned, the way other teams are molding their sides is something to be noted.
South Africa have the explosive Quinton de Kock, who, at 25, is a shoo-in for all three formats, leaving AB de Villiers to continue in his role as 'Mr. 360'. England have Jonny Bairstow (28) who is slowly but surely becoming the best 'keeper-bat in Tests. His recent ODI performances have also seen him pushing Alex Hales down to no. 3. Moreover, with the ultra-explosive Jos Buttler (27) coming down the order, England seem to be well stocked in the 'keeping department.
While Australia seem to have entrusted Tim Paine (33) with 'keeping duties for now, they have the likes of Alex Carey (26), who is uncapped, along with Peter Handscomb (26) and Cameron Bancroft (25), both of whom have donned the Baggy Green for Australia, waiting in the wings.
Moving to New Zealand, Tom Latham (25) is their first-choice wicket-keeper, along with Glenn Phillips (21), who has played a handful of T20Is. The Windies and Sri Lanka, two of the more poorly-performing teams of late, also seemed to have nailed down the 'keeper's spot. Sri Lanka have Niroshan Dickwella (24) and Dinesh Chandimal (28), while the Windies seemed to have unearthed a new talent in Shai Hope (24). The ages give an indication as to how long these players should be able to serve their respective countries, considering form and fitness are on their side.
This is by no means a pessimist's view of the Indian cricket team. Even today, Dhoni's abilities with the bat seem to be unmatched, and his recent evolution as the anchor of the batting order shows just how much India will miss him when he does hang up his boots. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah can be considered the best death bowlers in world cricket. And, India possess the world's best limited-overs batsman in Virat Kohli.
But, the expectation that India are expected to put up a fight for the 50-over and 20-over World Cups, which will be played in the next two years, cannot be fulfilled without stocking up on players. While India seem to have solved the batting and bowling puzzles, the wicket-keeper puzzle should not be forgotten.