Syed Kirmani, the legendary Indian wicketkeeper and key member of Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup-winning side, has called on India’s new-look Test squad to take inspiration from that iconic triumph as they embark on a challenging tour of England under the leadership of Shubman Gill.
Let our 1983 triumph be the inspiration for them. The most important thing for the team is to have faith in themselves.
The series marks a significant transition for Indian cricket. For the first time since 2014, the Test side will not be led by Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. With Kohli and Rohit having retired from Test cricket and senior figures like R. Ashwin missing, the touring party is among the least experienced in recent memory. Yet Kirmani remains optimistic.
It’s quite a competent team. Let’s not forget that when we defeated Australia in the 2020-21 series, it was a half-strength team without Kohli after the first Test.
The septuagenarian, widely regarded as India’s finest wicketkeeper, believes the team’s all-rounders will be vital in English conditions. “All-rounders like (Ravindra) Jadeja, Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy should focus more on their batting to bring balance to the side,” said Kirmani, who was also known for his dogged lower-order resistance with the bat.
There’s no denying that both Virat and Rohit were role models. It’s impossible to replace them overnight, especially given how difficult it is to adjust to English conditions on a first tour. But we have a number of players with experience against England, including captain Gill and KL Rahul.
To ease the transition, the BCCI has organised a three-match red-ball series between India A and the England Lions, beginning May 30 at Canterbury. The games are expected to provide crucial preparation time for Test squad members such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Abhimanyu Eshwaran, Dhruv Jurel, Shardul Thakur, Nitish Reddy and Akash Deep.
Kirmani also downplayed the absence of Mohammed Shami. “Someone else will step up. It’s a game of glorious uncertainties — anything can happen. All I can advise the team is to believe in their abilities.”
As a former gloveman, Kirmani also weighed in on the current wicketkeeping options. While he noted that none of the keepers adhere to the classical style of crouching and following the ball closely, he believes the team is well-equipped.
“Rishabh Pant is the first-choice keeper, but we’re spoilt for choice with Jurel and K.L. Rahul also available. We have all bases covered if the team composition needs to change.”
With a young captain at the helm and a largely fresh squad, Kirmani’s message is simple: draw from the legacy of 1983 — believe, adapt, and rise.
