Top 5 Wicketkeeper-batsmen in IPL history: The Indian Premier League has gained worldwide fame over the years-thanks to many of the big hitters who have featured in this league.
People only tend to remember the exploits of those who excel in front of the stumps. One must also go through records to check the brilliance of those behind them. Yes. We are talking about the wicket keepers. We thereby compile a list of five versatile men who have impressed one and all with both their batting and keeping across the various seasons of the IPL.
5. WRIDDHIMAN SAHA
This flashy wicket keeper batsman from Bengal has spent most of his career under the shadow of M.S Dhoni , be it in International cricket or in the IPL. Nevertheless, he has made his limited opportunities count.
He started off his IPL career with KKR, wherein he impressed many with his tidy keeping and useful middle order batting. Later, he got picked by CSK for a span of 3 years in which he barely got to feature in the playing XI. But, it was while playing for KXIP, that his career actually blossomed. Who can forget the stunning ton that he got against his hometown, Kolkata in the 2014 final? It’s a different issue that he ended on the losing side, but since that day, Wriddhiman had become a force to reckon with. Now, that the floodgates have opened for him in Test cricket post Dhoni’s retirement, he needs to keep up the good work behind the stumps as well as in front of them.
IPL stats: Batting- 71 matches,50 innings,902 runs, 3 50s, 1 100, Avg.- 28.09, S/R- 134.38, 4s-71, 6s-42.
Wicket keeping-24 catches,11 stumpings.
4. DINESH KARTHIK
DK, as he is popularly known in the Indian cricketing circuit, has a good IPL track record behind him. Karthik has featured in the billion dollar league for several sides-DD (first 3 seasons), KXIP (season 4), MI (season 5-6), DD again in season 7 and RCB in season 8. The Tamil Nadu keeper batsman made his debut for the National side in 2004,but has never managed to establish himself in the National side. His glove work has gradually improved over the years, an area which was once his weakness. Karthik, a versatile player, capable of batting at any position also features in the list of the most expensive players in IPL history and that too twice- Rs. 12 crores in 2014 and Rs. 12.5 in 2015. Its high time now that he puts up a good show for RCB and make his comeback to the National side as the slot for the Test wicket keeper is now up for grabs.
IPL stats: Batting- 112 matches, 99 innings, 2109 RUNS, HS-86, Avg.-24.24, S/R-123.77, nine 50s, 207 fours,54 sixes.
Wicket Keeping- 52 catches, 20 stumpings.
3. ROBIN UTHAPPA
This Karnataka opener who took the world by storm byscoring a scintillating 86 on his ODI debut in 2006 was gradually fading away till 2014, when a good Ranji trophy season and a successful IPL turned his fortunes around. His IPL career has always been a satisfying one. During his association with RCB, he was entrusted with the dual role of finishing the innings and keeping the wickets as they had no regular keeper. He reposed that faith by winning matches for his side consistently. He then moved to PWI, wherein he played as an opener alongside Jesse Ryder.
Season 7 was the turning phase of his career, as he guided KKR to the championship almost single handedly by recording 10 consecutive 40+ scores and winning the orange cap. Many believe that it is Praveen Amre’s guidance that has redefined this previously careless ‘walking assassin’.
With Robbie, you get a decent keeper, a stylish batsman and a keen learner who loves to grab challenges.
IPL stats: Batting- `112 matches, 107 innings, 2,736 runs,HS-83, Avg.-29.42, S/R- 127.08, 13 50s, 4s-264, 6s-92.
Wicket Keeping- 35 catches, 20 stumpings.
2. ADAM GILCHRIST
This man needs no introduction.
This modern day great was picked by the Deccan Chargers in 2008 and he made his presence felt in the inaugural season itself as he scored a dashing 109 off 48 balls against MI. Even though the rest of the squad was struggling to find solutions to their continuous downfall, Gilly kept on going in his typical fashion throughout the tournament.
The following season, he led DC to their maiden IPL triumph. In the 4th season, his association with DC came to an end as KXIP went for him in the auction. At KXIP, he showed glimpses of what he was previously renowned for doing-taking on the opposition. He recorded his 2nd IPL ton in season 4, although age was gradually taking its toll on him.
One of the most destructive batsmen and best wicket keepers of his time, this Aussie gentleman features at no. 2 in our list.
IPL stats: Batting-80 matches, 80 innings, 2,069 runs, HS-109, Avg.-27.22, S/R-138.39, two 100s, eleven 50s, 239 4s, 92 6s
Wicket Keeping- 51 catches, 16 stumpings.
1. M.S DHONI
An excellent finisher, a lightning fast keeper, an inspirational leader-it is not easy to become a player like him overnight.
This 3D cricketer, also known to the world as M.S Dhoni is indeed as cool as a cucumber.
A loyal CSK cricketer, Dhoni has taken CSK to the summit of T20 cricket. He has got 2 IPL trophies and 2 CL T20 trophies in his trophy cabinet.
CSK, like always are looking formidable and going by the names they have got in their ranks, their chances of grabbing their 3rd IPL title seems all the more realistic. Having already cemented his place as one of the best finishers the game has ever seen, ‘Captain Cool’ would like to draw a conclusion to the various controversies surrounding his side by having a shot at the title once again.
IPL stats: Batting-118 matches, 105 innings, 2,786 runs, HS-70*, Avg.- 40.97, S/R- 140.85, 15 50s, 204 4s, 117 6s,
Wicket Keeping- 48 catches, 21 stumpings.
Like behind every successful man, there is a woman, behind the success of any cricket team stands an useful wicket keeper behind the stumps!!