April 27, 2016

THE ART OF WICKET-KEEPING : THE UTTAKH-BHAITAKH BREED - RAMCHANDRA GUHA




THE ART OF WICKET-KEEPING - THE UTTAKH-BHAITAKH BREED 

BY RAMCHANDRA GUHA 


The essay " The Art of Wicket Keeping : The Uttakh - Bhaitakh Breed ' written by a famous cricket journalist Ramachandra Guha. The essay ends with a long list of attributes that a wicket keeper should have the eligibility and qualification criteria to select a wicket keeper. The task of a wicket - keeper is difficult. It is more challenging than that of a batsman or a bowler. A wicket - keeper has to be mentally alert and physically fit. He has to manage the weight of heavy gloves and pads. He has to crouch in an uncomfortable position behind, the wickets. He has to be fearless and unmindful of danger. His reflexes must be quick and he must remain discussed at all times. He cannot afford to be distracted by the spectators. A wicket - keeper does not get another chance if he makes a mistake. As the position demands such rare qualities and painstaking attention, it is understood be the tough job. The writer aptly comments that the mission of a Prime Minister of a coalition government is easier than the job of a wicket keeper of Indian team.