Syed Kirmani at MBIFL 2025: Of wickets, bricks, and dreams

The sixth edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL) witnessed a captivating dialogue with Syed Kirmani, the iconic Indian wicketkeeper, as he shared his extraordinary journey in a session titled 'The Keeper of a Billion Dreams'. Sports columnist and commentator Sreeduth S Pillai skillfully guided the conversation, delving into Kirmani's life, career, and the myriad challenges he overcame.

Kirmani, known for his flamboyant presence and unwavering self-belief, began with a touch of humour. "It is easier to face a hundred people at the stadium than to sit in front of such an educated galaxy of journalists, writers, authors," he confessed, admitting his nervousness.

He then spoke about his long-awaited autobiography. "I suppose I was on the verge of writing my autobiography," he explained, adding, "I started it way back eight to ten years ago when it started coming into my mind where I should write, what people don't know, how I started, where I started.”

The biographies of his cricketing peers also served as an inspiration, Kirmani said.

A delightful anecdote from his childhood revealed the rather unconventional origins of his wicket-keeping skills. "I saw a heap of bricks that looked nice, so I went up and picked up two bricks and that's where I started to stop the caught ball with the bricks," Kirmani chuckled, demonstrating how bricks became his first "gloves".

The conversation then explored the delicate balance between cricket and academics. Kirmani spoke of his father's unwavering focus on education and a stable government job. "My father had been grilling it to my head; study, study, study... get a degree... get a government job," he recalled. He eventually found a way to pursue both, joining the State Bank of India as a clerk while completing his studies in the evening.

Kirmani recalled his selection to the Indian team in 1971, but having to wait several years for his Test debut. "I suppose I was getting groomed," he reflected.  He emphasised the importance of this grooming process in cricket, something he believes is often missing in the contemporary game.

His Test debut in New Zealand, where he achieved the rare feat of being involved in six dismissals in an innings, was a defining moment. "It was just there to perform, put the best foot forward, come what may, and do your best," he said, adding, "That night I didn't sleep at all."

The subsequent tour of the West Indies was a trial by fire. Kirmani vividly described the hostile pitches and the intimidating fast bowlers. "The pitch looked like my head, slippery and shiny," he quipped. He recounted a hilarious incident involving Venkatraghavan and a policeman’s helmet. "He went and asked a cop, 'Can I borrow your helmet?' 'No man,' the cop said. 'Go and enjoy it'."

Kirmani also spoke openly about the setbacks in his career, including being dropped from the Indian team, most painfully for the 1979 World Cup. "I was planning to take my wife along on a honeymoon plus the tour of England not realising that I was dropped," he revealed, describing the feeling as 'heartbreaking'.

Despite these challenges, Kirmani’s resilience shone through. He fought his way back into the team and played a pivotal role in India’s historic 1983 World Cup victory.

The MBIFL session provided a unique and intimate glimpse into Kirmani’s life, a story of perseverance, humour, and an unwavering love for cricket. It was a testament to the spirit of a true keeper of dreams.