HYDERABAD: Hyderabad wicket-keeper Ibrahim Khaleel created a world record when he got 14 dismissals in a Ranji Trophy Plate match against Assam on Sunday. He had seven dismissals (four catches, three stumpings) in the first innings and followed it up with another seven (all catches)in the second. In a chat from Guwahati, the rising star of Hyderabad cricket said, “It is a dream come true. I only came to know about the record after I reached the dressing room.” The previous record in first-class matches was held by one Tahir Rashid, who had nine dismissals in a local league match in Pakistan for Habib Bank against PACO in 1992-93.Khaleel is a great admirer of former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist. “He was simply brilliant behind the stumps and also an attacking batsman. He has changed the concept of a wicketkeeper-batsman. I too would like to follow his footsteps,” said the new world-record holder.Speaking about the match against Assam, Khaleel said, “It was a very good match for Hyderabad. It was difficult to keep as the ball was keeping low. But I thought I am in the best form of my career and could feel I was keeping well throughout the match.”On the art of wicket-keeping, the 29-year-old said, “It is a thankless job. Sometimes we are criticised if we drop a catch or miss a stumping. At the same time our work is not recognised if we do well. But wicketkeepers play a big role in a team’s fortunes.”On his experience of joining the ill-fated Indian Cricket League, where he played for Hyderabad Heroes, he said, “I have no regrets. I played there and it was a new experience. Now, I want to continue to do well and help Hyderabad get back into the Elite Division.”Talking about the difference in keeping to spinners and pace bowlers, Khaleel said, “Standing up to spinners is always a challenge for any wicketkeeper. A keeper has to be alert, particularly while taking leg side catches where you are blinded by the batsman. For pace bowlers, taking catches in front of the slip fielders is always challenging.”
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