'Number one wicketkeeper in the world', Mohammad Azharuddin heaps praise on former player Syed Kirmani

Mohammad Azharuddin, Syed Kirmani (Pic: File Pic)

Former Team India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has heaped praise on 1983 World Cup-winning wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani, calling him the number one keeper in the world.

While speaking to ANI at the book launch event of Kirmani's autobiography, "Stumped", Azharuddin highlighted that the former wicket-keeper took many good catches in India's 1983 World Cup triumph.

"He is the number one wicket-keeper in the world. Such a wicket-keeper was never born. It was not easy for him to do wicketkeeping with four spinners. He took many good catches in the World Cup in 1983," said Azharuddin.

He also said that people should read Kirmani's book and wished its success.

"Even in the match when Kapil (Dev) scored 175 runs (against Zimbabwe), he scored crucial 24 runs. I am very happy to attend this event today. May god give him a long life. People should also read this book and enjoy, and I hope it is successful," said the veteran of 99 Test matches.

Further, Azharuddin advised youngsters and the current Team India wicket-keepers to learn the skills behind the stumps from Kirmani.

With 14 dismissals in the 1983 WC, which includes 12 catches and two stumpings, Kirmani was the second-best wicketkeeper of the tournament, just behind West Indies' Jeff Dujon, who registered 16 dismissals (15 catches and a stumping). Kirmani's tidy glovework earned him acclaim, and with 234 dismissals, he ranks fourth on India's all-time list, behind swashbuckling Rishabh Pant (244 dismissals), Nayan Mongia (261 dismissals) and iconic WC-winning captain MS Dhoni (829 dismissals).

Meanwhile, Azharuddin also hailed Team India's star pacer, Mohammed Siraj, whose performance in the fifth and final Test match against England helped the visitors secure a 2-2 draw in the five-match Test series.

"I also got a chance to meet Siraj. He bowled very well today. I would like to congratulate him as well. I hope he continues to grow and perform well," concluded the 62-year-old.

Siraj was the top wicket-taker with 23 scalps at an average of just over 32, with two five-wicket hauls, including a comeback spell at The Oval in the fifth Test, which reduced England from 301/3 to 367 all out while chasing 374 runs.

(With ANI Inputs)