India’s captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni missed the second Test against New Zealand because of back spasms. There were consequences of this. One, India vaunted batting followed on and second, Dinesh Karthick’s wicket-keeping was exposed once again. Vice captainVirender Sehwag, who led instead of Dhoni, received flak from experts for the foolhardy manner he batted.

One is well aware that back spasms are extremely painful and Dhoni was right in deciding not to play. But then Dhoni – who many believe can do no wrong and has the devil’s luck – is probably subtler than most people give him credit. Remember he missed the tour to Sri Lanka not long ago, and India lost the Test rubber as well as both the wicketkeepers, Karthick and Parthiv Patel proved to be thoroughly inadequate? Both these players remained in contention after that tour by virtue of their domestic performances, with Karthick edging past Patel when it mattered in the eyes of the national selectors. It was with the bat that they shone. Surely there are better wicketkeepers in the country than these two and the time has come to pick them. There are some players who are extremely capable at first class level but are found wanting at a higher level.

If there is a view that Dhoni is not keen on a quality wicketkeeper who might challenge his position, it should not be dismissed as being without basis. The present Indian captain has shown time and again that in many ways he is ahead of all others, when it comes to deft handling of matters and personnel.

A view like this might give the impression that one is dealing with a Chanakya. Maybe he is or maybe he is not. But India, after having won the first Test with consummate ease, was more than in a spot of bother in the second Test. Did Dhoni’s absence make such a difference? Being outside the field he made a point or two, which would have been extremely satisfying to him. Or, is one being unfair to him? Possibly Yuvraj would have his own take on this!