Gilly lauds Dhoni’s street-smart approach

India limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s unique technique is what makes him one of the best wicketkeepers in the modern era, believes Australia legend Adam Gilchrist.

Gilchrist, who won three consecutive World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007), was present in Mumbai to award Vignesgwaran Subramani, an Indian student who is studying at the Wollongong University in Australia, with the prestigious Bradman Foundation scholarship.

Speaking to this paper after the felicitation, Gilchrist heaped praise on Dhoni.

“There’s only one textbook that has M.S. Dhoni’s keeping in it, and he’s the only one who’s read it.

“He has forged his own technique. He does not follow the traditional keeper’s technique. And that’s not a criticism, that’s a compliment,” said Gilchrist, who himself was arguably one of the best wicketkeepers during his time.

“He’s very effective and street-smart. I think he’s the quickest stumper I’ve ever seen. You can have textbook technique and miss a stumping because you’re a bit slow,” said Gilchrist. “But he gets the ball back to the stumps, and he has pinched a few dismissals just by the pace of his hands.”

‘Individual approach key to success in india’ The Australian Test side have been having a torrid time, losing their last four Tests (three in Sri Lanka and on in Perth against South Africa).

However, Gilchrist believes that the side are going through a transition period, and will not take long to get back to form.

“The Australia cricket team is clearly a team that’s still learning a bit about itself under a relatively new captain. In Michael Clarke, we’ve just lost another sort of Hall of Famer, a sort of 120-Test type player, so that’s a big hole to fill.”

Teams from Australia, South Africa and England always find it a bit difficult to play in the sub-continent. Asked about what kind of preparation the Aussies needed ahead of their series in India next year, Gilchrist said: “You have to know your own game and work at what approach you have to take.

“Is not a blanket policy, so I can’t say that everyone must sweep, or everyone mustn’t sweep. Use your feet, or don’t use your feet. Some do, some don’t. It’s all in your mind,” he said and added that the Aussies would need a blend of patiencec and aggression to do well in India.