Syed Kirmani’s autobiography Stumped – Life Behind and Beyond the Twenty-Two Yards traces an inspiring journey from his modest beginnings in Bengaluru’s Jayamahal Extension—where he once used bricks as gloves—to his rise as one of India’s finest wicketkeepers. Published last year as the legendary cricketer turned 75, the book captures not only the evolution of an extraordinary player but also the transformation of Indian cricket through the 1970s and 1980s.
Kirmani’s 12-year career marked a decisive change in Indian cricket’s attitude to wicketkeeping. He succeeded the flamboyant Farokh Engineer and brought in a quiet efficiency and discipline that defined the role for a generation. His adaptability was exceptional—first keeping to the great spin quartet of Bedi, Prasanna, Chandrasekhar, and Venkat, and later to the pace spearhead Kapil Dev. Few wicketkeepers have bridged such contrasting eras with comparable distinction.
Across 88 Test matches between 1976 and 1986, Kirmani established himself as a model of consistency and composure. He was among the first in the world to claim six victims in an innings on debut and was adjudged the best wicketkeeper in the 1983 Prudential World Cup. A dependable lower-order batsman, he scored two Test centuries and played several crucial supporting innings that shaped famous Indian victories—against the West Indies in Madras (1978–79), Australia in Mumbai (1979), and Pakistan in both Mumbai (1979–80) and Faisalabad (1982–83). His memorable partnership with Kapil Dev in the 1983 World Cup match against Zimbabwe at Taunton remains one of cricket’s most stirring fightbacks.
The book, written with co-authors Debashish Sengupta and Dakshesh Pathak, took five years to complete. Its structure is unusual: the first 74 pages are Kirmani’s personal narrative, followed by biographical commentary by his co-authors and tributes from nearly 30 prominent cricketers. The storytelling is straightforward and unpretentious, mirroring Kirmani’s personality.
Kirmani recounts his formative years, his discovery of cricketing talent, and the challenges of being dropped repeatedly from the national team due to politics and favoritism. His chapter “Dropped Like a Hot Brick” is among the most emotionally charged, revealing the disillusionment of a man who had served his country with quiet dignity. Yet there is no bitterness—only a mature reflection on the highs and lows of a sporting life.
Some of the book’s most engaging passages include vivid recollections of his debut series in the Caribbean and New Zealand (1975–76), where he faced hostile conditions and bodyline bowling. Another highlight is the chapter “c Kirmani b Kapil Dev,” which beautifully captures the chemistry between bowler and keeper—98 of Kapil Dev’s 434 Test wickets came through Kirmani’s catches.
The “Historic World Cup Campaign” chapter recreates the euphoria of 1983 with remarkable detail, reminding readers that while Kapil Dev’s catch to dismiss Vivian Richards remains iconic, Kirmani’s safe glovework and composed batting were equally crucial to India’s triumph. In “My Family – The Fantastic Five,” he pays heartfelt tribute to his wife Habeeba and his son, both central to his emotional balance and motivation.
The book’s final section, “Tributes,” gathers warm recollections from teammates and opponents, underlining the respect Kirmani commanded across the cricketing world.
Despite its many strengths, Stumped is not without flaws. The editing is uneven, with several typographical errors—Mike Brearley’s name appears misspelt, as does Alan Knott’s. The narrative could have benefited from deeper reflections on the evolution of wicketkeeping and modern cricket. There is also an absence of Kirmani’s personal all-time eleven, which might have added a welcome touch of perspective.
Nevertheless, Stumped is a deeply human and absorbing memoir. It captures the humility, determination, and professionalism that defined Syed Kirmani, while offering readers an intimate look at the world of Indian cricket in its formative modern era. It stands as a tribute not only to one of India’s greatest wicketkeepers but also to a generation that laid the foundations of the country’s cricketing resurgence.
---
*Freelance journalist
Comments