IPL 2021: Ranking wicketkeepers of all 8 teams ahead of the season

THE WICKETKEEPER. He plays such a crucial role for any side, irrespective of the format of the game. A good wicketkeeper with sound technique gives confidence to the bowlers, a good wicket-keeper can even give suggestions to the captain as to how a field can be set as he has a good view of the entire playing arena.

A good wicketkeeper can take a stunning catch and alter the momentum of the match. A good wicket-keeper can stun the batsman with a quick stumping that can catch the willow wielder off guard. And of course, a good wicket-keeper can go out and score runs with the willow as well. The Indian Premier League (IPL) too, has seen some brilliant wicket keepers donning the gloves behind the stumps.

Ahead of the 14th IPL edition, let us rank the wicket-keepers of all the 8 IPL sides. It is important to note here that the wicketkeepers will be ranked primarily based on their ability behind the stumps. So, let’s get started.

Here are the rankings of the wicketkeepers going into the 2021 IPL:

8. KL Rahul (PBKS)

At the 8th place, we have the skipper of the Punjab Kings outfit, KL Rahul. The main reason why Rahul occupies 8th place is because he is a batsman who can keep, and not the other way round. Rahul has kept in 50 innings in the IPL and has 37 dismissals against his name.

While he has taken 32 catches behind the stumps, he also has 5 stumpings to his credit. Rahul plays the role of the ‘multi tasker’ in the Punjab Kings side. He is the skipper of the Punjab side, he plays a key role at the top of the order for his side with the willow, and he also dons the wicket-keeping gloves.

Rahul won the Orange Cap award in the 2020 edition of the IPL. The right-hander plundered 670 runs last year and scored them at an average of 55.83. Even though Rahul dons the keeper’s gloves, his main role in the side is to provide good starts at the top of the order with the willow.