Karthik vs Dhoni

[Rachael]

At long last it seems that Dhoni's ludicrous claim to be a "wicket-keeper" might be accepted as what they are: nonsensical. Sadly, the pressure from Dhoni has led to Karthik focussing on his batting instead of on job 1.

What's more worrying is Dhoni's decline behind the stumps. He was never a natural wicketkeeper, starting off as a football goalie, and it was mainly thanks to his persistence that he improved in that department. There was a period early in his career when he gave up batting for one whole year just to get better with the gloves. He showed considerable improvement last season but the fumbles have reappeared recently. He has struggled so far in the tour games, often parrying the ball rather than waiting for it, and his grassed chances off Andy Hodd and Robin Martin-Jenkins at Hove and Stuart Broad at Chelmsford, all straightforward ones at international level, would definitely get the team management thinking.

Cricinfo - Dhoni in jeopardy as India ponder options

Also Cricinfo - Karthik ready for 'difficult' responsibility

[imaginarydiva]

I couldn't agree more. I think the only reason Dhoni made it to the team in the first place is because of his batting exploits. His wicket keeping, at the best is mediocre. Still, the team management decided to take him simply because he was a useful batsmen. Karthik though, is not only a better wicket-keeper but is also proving to be an intelligent batsmen. I think the lull that he had to go through when he was dropped initially to make way for Dhoni, has done him some good, as he has come back stronger than ever.

[Navdeep]

Originally Posted by imaginarydiva

I couldn't agree more. I think the only reason Dhoni made it to the team in the first place is because of his batting exploits. His wicket keeping, at the best is mediocre. Still, the team management decided to take him simply because he was a useful batsmen. Karthik though, is not only a better wicket-keeper but is also proving to be an intelligent batsmen. I think the lull that he had to go through when he was dropped initially to make way for Dhoni, has done him some good, as he has come back stronger than ever.

Yeah, not short of WKs, Karthik and Uthappa can do a sound job behind the stumps, as well as bat, whether it the 1 day or test form of the game, Dhoni really should the the batsmen for me, one of the younger guys, the real wicketkeepers get behind the stumps.

[greg]

Why not play Dhoni as a batsman and give the gloves to Karthik?

If both are playing you may as well give the gloves to the superior keeper.

[imaginarydiva]

Originally Posted by greg

Why not play Dhoni as a batsman and give the gloves to Karthik?

If both are playing you may as well give the gloves to the superior keeper.

Going by the recent past, that might be what the team management has in mind too.

[Sixhitter]

Dhoni is a better player

[Nostromo]

There is no place for both of them in any Indian lineup. IMO, Karthik should be the regular Test 'keeper-batsman while Dhoni should fill that role in ODIs. Neither is suitable for the other form of the game.

[acker]

Originally Posted by Rachael

At long last it seems that Dhoni's ludicrous claim to be a "wicket-keeper" might be accepted as what they are: nonsensical. Sadly, the pressure from Dhoni has led to Karthik focussing on his batting instead of on job

No wonder England has not been able to find a steady test keeper Rachael, if you are dismissing Dhoni's keeping skills that cheaply.

The guy is lightning quick especially with stumping's that should not even be stumping's.

I don't know if we are watching two different Dhoni's, but I rate him as the best test keeper in the world currently. And a long way ahead of the rest.

[shaunx]

I personally agree that Dhoni is the best wicket keeper that India can get..he bats well and keeps well and have to improve more for spin bowlers especially Kumble..karthik is best at his fielding and batting he has to gain more consistency...

[batoutofhell]

i feel dhoni needs to improve his away records against formidable opponents(in batting),he seems awfully awkward with his batting technique against quality fast bowling
otherwise in this series his keeping was very good
and karthik needs to be more consistent,he cant be in the team just for the sake of team man and fielding(though personally i prefer him over dhoni for test matches)