Top 5 Indian wicket-keepers with most dismissals made in test cricket

Six different Indian wicket-keepers have affected over 100 dismissals in test cricket.

The wicket-keeper’s role in test cricket is extremely challenging. Unlike few other fielding positions, a wicket-keeper has no liberty to switch off and relax at any time during a fielding innings.

The wicket-keeper’s duties extend beyond catching and stumping: the wicket-keeper is an assisting hand to the captain, helping in field setting and other tactical decisions.

In the 21st century test cricket, the role of wicket-keeper has become even more engaging with keepers now expected to play in the top seven in the batting order and contribute with the bat. While batting now plays a crucial role in the selection of wicket-keepers, glove work is equally crucial.

Cricketing powerhouse India have been fortunate to produce some of the finest wicket-keepers in the game. Throughout the rich Indian cricketing history, keepers have played a big role behind the stumps with their acrobatic performances.

On that note let’s look at the top five Indian wicket-keepers with the most dismissals in test cricket.

Here are the top five Indian wicket-keepers with the most dismissals in test cricket

5. Nayan Mongia – 107

Nayan Mongia was one of India’s premier wicket-keepers during the late 1990s. Having made his debut in 1994, Nayan contributed to a total of 107 dismissals in test cricket, consisting of 99 catches and eight stumpings.

Mongia’s superb glove work against the spinners was one of the main reasons behind his consistent selection during the late 90s.

Mongia played a total of 44 test matches, scoring 1442 runs at an average of 24. His last test came against Australia in 2001, in the famous game at the Eden Gardens.

4. Kiran More – 130

Famous for his on-field battle with Javed Miandad during the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup, Kiran More is the fourth most successful test wicket-keeper for India by dismissals. Kiran made his debut in 1986 against England at the Lord’s.

More was excellent behind the stumps, especially against spinners in the Indian conditions. Kiran finished his career in 1993 with 130 dismissals, consisting of 110 catches and 20 stumpings.

3. Rishabh Pant – 138

Current Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has so far affected 138 dismissals in tests. Known for his fearless approach with the bat, Pant is one of the biggest match-winners of the current Indian team.

Pant is known for his flexibility and acrobatics behind the stump. The left-handed superstar has taken a few extraordinary diving catches in his career.

Pant’s 138 dismissals consist of 124 catches and 14 stumpings. Still early in his career, Pant has played 36 test matches. In the coming years, one can expect Pant to surpass the all-time great wicket-keepers on the list.

2. Syed Kirmani – 198

Regarded as one of the pioneers of wicket-keeping in India, Syed Kirmani made his debut in 1976 against New Zealand. Kirmani was one of the mainstays of the Indian cricket team during the 1970s and 80s.

What made Kirmani so valuable to the Indian team was his excellent glove work on the bowling of some of the all-time great spinners like Bishan Singh Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna.

Kirmani finished his career in 1986, having played in 88 test matches. Kirmani’s tally of 198 dismissals as a keeper consisted of 160 catches and 38 stumpings.

1. MS Dhoni – 294

Hailed as India’s greatest wicket-keeper, MS Dhoni has made the most dismissals for India in test cricket – 294.

Dhoni stands out in this exclusive list for the fact that he spent the majority of his test career leading the Indian side. With the workload of batting and captaincy already at his disposal, Dhoni’s excellent numbers behind the stumps are a testament to his legacy.

Dhoni made his test debut in 2005 against Sri Lanka and went on to redefine the role of a wicket-keeper batter in Indian cricket. Famous for his lightning-quick hands behind the wicket, Dhoni recorded 256 catches along with 38 stumping in his career. He retired from tests in 2014 with a total of 294 dismissals in 90 matches.

(All stats updated till 24th October, 2024)

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.