• Source:JND
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Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin reserved big praise for his former teammate Syed Kirmani, describing him as the world's best wicketkeeper with particular accolades for his mastery in handling spin bowling.

Azharuddin, who played alongside Kirmani in India's 1983 ODI World Cup-champion team, praised Kirmani for playing a key part in their historic achievement.

“He is the number one wicket-keeper in the world. Such a wicket-keeper was never born. It was not easy for him to do wicketkeeping with four spinners. He took many good catches in the World Cup in 1983. Even in the match when Kapil scored 175 runs, he scored a crucial 24 runs. I am very happy to attend this event today," Azharuddin said at the launch of Kirmani’s autobiography, ‘Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond The Twenty-Two Yards’.

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"May God give him a long life. People should also read this book and enjoy it, and I hope it is successful," he added.

Kirmani played a vital role behind the stumps during the 1983 World Cup, taking 12 catches and effecting two stumpings, trailing West Indies' Jeff Dujon, who claimed 15 catches and one stumping.

Across his career, Kirmani’s 234 dismissals have put him fourth among Indian wicketkeepers, behind MS Dhoni (829), Nayan Mongia (261), and Rishabh Pant (244). Overall, South Africa’s Mark Boucher leads with 998 dismissals while Australia’s Adam Gilchrist with 905 dismissals, holds the second position in the global list.

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Azharuddin also praised star speedster Mohammad Siraj for his recent performance in the five-match Test series against England.

"I also got a chance to meet Siraj. He bowled very well. I would like to congratulate him as well. I hope he continues to grow and perform well," Azharuddin said.

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