The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a platform that brings the best cricketers from all over the world together to compete in the most exciting T20 cricket league. With the 2023 season just around the corner, cricket fans are looking forward to seeing their favourite players return to the field. The wicket-keeper position is one of the most important in cricket. The wicket-keeper is responsible for not only guarding the stumps but also catching, stumping, and run-outs. This blog will look at the top five wicket-keepers currently competing in the IPL. These wicket-keepers have not only been outstanding in their respective teams, but they have also made significant contributions to their teams’ success. So, let’s delve into the world of wicket-keeping to find out who the top 5 wicket-keepers to watch in IPL 2023 are.
Number 5. Ishan Kishan
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He is a versatile player who can keep wickets as well as open or finish the innings. He has 58 dismissals (44 catches and 14 stumpings) from 74 matches. He is also an explosive batsman who has scored over 1700 runs at a strike rate of 144.39. He was part of Mumbai Indians’ title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020. His form has been running hot and cold in the tournament, but the heavy investment that the Mumbai Indians have made in him, seems to suggest that he is a part of the franchise’s long-term plans, but things could change if e were to have a poor 2023 season.
Number 4. Sanju Samson
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He is another talented wicketkeeper who can also bat at any position in the order. He has 63 dismissals (48 catches and 15 stumpings) from 125 matches. He is also a fluent stroke-maker who has scored over 2800 runs at a strike rate of 133.33. He is a player who has cemented himself as a crowd favourite and attracts huge backing on social media, especially when he fails to make his way into the national side. However, just like Ishan Kishan, Sanju has been blowing hot and cold in the tournament, and while he does seem to have the confidence of the RR board, his performance in the upcoming season will be under review.
Number 3. Rishabh Pant
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He is a young and dynamic wicketkeeper who has impressed with his aggressive batting and improved glove work. He has 69 dismissals (49 catches and 20 stumpings) from 86 matches. He is also one of the most destructive batsmen in IPL history with over 3000 runs at a strike rate of 160.66. He is a player who is highly valued, both in the IPL and the national side. His recent accident will be keeping him out of the 2023 season, which will be a huge miss for the Delhi Capitals.
Number 2. Dinesh Karthik
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He is one of IPL’s most celebrated wicketkeepers with a tally of 174 dismissals (127 catches and 34 stumpings) from 219 matches. He is also a reliable middle-order batsman who has scored over 4000 runs at a strike rate of 129.80. Karthik had an amazing IPL 2022 season, which also landed him a spot on the national team for the World T20 Tournament. The age might not be in his favour, but he is an impact player in every sense of the word, and his explosive innings are something to relish.
Number 1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
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He is widely regarded as the best wicketkeeper in IPL history. He has 152 dismissals (111 catches and 41 stumpings) from 217 matches. He is also a successful captain who has led Chennai Super Kings to four IPL titles. He is a powerful batsman who has scored over 4700 runs at a strike rate of 136.75. Dhoni has shown time and again that age is just a number and that his abilities behind the stump are still second to none. His presence in the lineup is. a clear psychological advantage for the CSK and many just don’t want him to retire from the game.
