WTC Final 2023: MS Dhoni shared lot of insights on keeping in England, says KS Bharat

Bharat is likely to be the first-choice glovesman for the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in London, with the summit clash scheduled to take place from Wednesay (June 7) to Sunday (June 11).

This will be the first time the stumper, who has showcased his ability in his limited opportunity for the national team, will be keeping in English conditions, which are known to challenging for wicketkeepers.

Bharat explained how Dhoni sharing his valuable tips could help him if he gets the team management’s nod for the big game ahead of Ishan Kishan, who is yet to make his debut in red ball for India.

“Recently during the IPL, I had a word with Mahendra,” Bharat told ICC on Monday. “He (talked about) his experiences keeping in England as well as what would work the best for any wicket-keeper.”

The wicketkeeper from Andhra further added that the conversation was very good and said Dhoni’s situational awareness was simply unmatched.

“It was a very good conversation and there were a lot of insights from that. It’s the awareness – the best example is MS Dhoni, the awareness he has in keeping is outstanding,” Bharat added.

The 29-year-old Gujarat Titans player also felt that his job requires a lot of “intent” and one needs to be really passionate to do the “thankless job” that requires a lot of concentration.

“You need intent and passion to be a keeper, because keeping is a thankless job. You keep 90 overs in a Test day and you have to be concentrating ball by ball, so you have to accept the challenges and embrace it and be really passionate about contributing to the team,” added Bharat.

While the debate continues on who between Bharat and Kishan should be in the XI for the WTC final, the former is the frontrunner given his experience of playing four Tests.

(With PTI inputs)