Since time immemorial, Cricket players are classified into different categories based on the definite skill sets that each player possesses.Some players are good with the willow whereas some prefer to break the willow.Some choose the art of deception while some players are really great behind the stumps.In this article,the emphasis is on the clan which plies their trade behind the stumps.
Prior to modern-day cricket,being clinical with the gloves on,irrespective of batting ability, would have fetched a place in the playing eleven.But gone are those days and today,wicket-keepers are required to be equally adept with the bat.
Since the T20 flavour is in town,therefore I present to you the ‘Top 5 wicket-keeper-batsmen in the history of the IPL’.(More emphasis is given on the batting prowess rather than keeping.The number of trophies won by the player and his credibility also has it’s say.)
#5 Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel shot into fame when he debuted against England in a test series way back in 2002.However,he could not hold onto his spot in the national side and has been on the sidelines since the arrival of M S Dhoni.
In the IPL,he has been a regular face and has carved his own niche for himself as an opener and a reliable wicket-keeper.He also holds the unique distinction of becoming the first player to play for six different franchises.
Matches
|
Runs
|
BF
|
HS
|
Average
|
SR
|
Ct
|
St
|
93
|
1750
|
1536
|
61
|
21.60
|
113.93
|
42
|
11
|
#4 Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik is one of the most sought after wicketkeeper-batsman in the country.He scores consistently at the domestic levels.He is aggressive and lends stability to the middle-order of whichever franchise he represents.
In IPL,he has consistently scored for his side.His best IPL season was in 2013 where he scored 510 runs for Mumbai Indians and was instrumental in MI’s maiden trophy campaign.Last year,he had a horrendous time with the bat,representing Royal Challengers Bangalore,as he only managed 141 runs at a meagre average of 12.81 in 16 innings.The wicket-keeper batsman has been picked by Gujarat Lions this season.He also has the most dismissals as a wicket-keeper in the IPL.
Matches
|
Runs
|
BF
|
HS
|
Average
|
SR
|
Ct
|
St
|
123
|
2248
|
1806
|
86
|
23.91
|
124.47
|
62
|
23
|
#3 Robin Uthappa
A sweet timer of the ball who generally likes to show the straight face of his bat to the ball.A heavy-weight in the Indian domestic arena.He heavily scores for his state,Karnataka,in all the formats.He is a dependable wicket-keeper too.
In IPL,he has scored the most number of runs among all the wicket-keepers.He also holds the world record of being the only batsman to score ten 40+ scores in a row.This feat was achieved in 2014 when his side KKR lifted the trophy.
Matches
|
Runs
|
BF
|
HS
|
Average
|
SR
|
Ct
|
St
|
121
|
3031
|
2379
|
83*
|
30.00
|
127.40
|
40
|
23
|
#2 Adam Gilchrist
Any all-time best wicket-keeper batsman list is incomplete without this man.The man who actually brought the concept of ‘wicket-keeper batsman’,had been a force to reckon during his international days and he was a force throughout his IPL career.
The southpaw was an expressive and explosive opener.He has scored 2069 runs at an average of 27.22 at a daunting strike rate of 138.39.He was also an inspirational captain as he led Deccan Chargers all the way to the title in 2009.
Matches
|
Runs
|
BF
|
HS
|
Average
|
SR
|
Ct
|
St
|
80
|
2069
|
1495
|
109*
|
27.22
|
138.39
|
51
|
16
|
#1 Mahendra Singh Dhoni
The Man with the Midas touch finds himself at the top of his list.He has scored 2987 runs at an outstanding average of 39.30.
M S Dhoni has got the second most number of runs for a wicket-keeper.He also sits at second place when it comes to the number of dismissals.But his leadership and his knack of bailing his team out of trouble are the reasons he is arguably the best-ever wicket-keeper batsman in the history of a tournament as elite as IPL.
Matches
|
Runs
|
BF
|
HS
|
Average
|
SR
|
Ct
|
St
|
130
|
2987
|
2144
|
70*
|
39.30
|
139.31
|
54
|
23
|
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