A natural and a fighter

It was Jeff Dujon and Jahangir Khan who inspired me most.

I watched both of them first on television. I liked Dujon because he was very natural and athletic behind the stumps. Most of the great wicketkeepers who have played the game were asked to keep wicket according to the coaching manuals, whereas Dujon did it all naturally, in his own style. The way he kept to fast bowlers of the stature of Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Andy Roberts was awesome. He was just too good, whether it was an off-side take or a leg-side one.

With Jahangir Khan, I was struck by his determination and guts to overcome all obstacles. The doctors advised him once to not to play squash due to health problems but he did not let that stop him. Then his elder brother, Torsam Khan, died during a squash match in which Jahangir himself was hurt badly, but he continued to play. I remember once, early in his career, he was dropped for the championships in Australia, and he decided to take part as an amateur and won.

I have met both of them. I met Dujon in Antigua when I was on tour to the West Indies with the Pakistan side in 1992-93 - nothing more than a handshake and polite greetings. I have met Jahangir Khan on number of occasions. He always comes across as a very down-to-earth, cordial, personality.