IPL 2017: Rating the wicket-keepers

Robin Uthappa KKR IPL 2017.JPG
Robin Uthappa has been in sublime for KKR once again

The 2017 IPL league phase is heading to a finish and the four playoff spots are slowly filling up. Unlike the previous year when there was a huge closely contested tussle between the eight teams, the top three this year round seems to be well placed to qualify this time around.

The pitches have been quicker than usual and the fast bowlers have been more prominent than ever. When swing bowlers and bowlers, in general, enjoy success, another category of players come into the picture, the wicket-keepers.

The job of a wicket-keeper is no longer just standing behind the stumps and effecting good stumpings and catches. He is also expected to perform well in front of the stumps with the willow. Especially, with T20 bringing focus on multi-talented cricketers, wicket-keepers are more important than ever.

Most teams have more than one keeper and several of them play more than one in their eleven with the other forced to take fielding duties. Here we try to rate the main wicket-keepers of all the eight teams of IPl 2017.

#8 Naman Ojha (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - 3/10

The Hyderabad wicket-keeper seems to be in the team only for his work behind the stumps. The Warner-led unit prefers sticking to an unchanged top five and this has led to minimal opportunities for Ojha with the bat. However, Ojha hasn't been all that good behind the stumps as well with a dropped catch off Bhuvneshwar against RCB and some sloppy work against Rashid Khan in a couple of games.


#7 Wriddhiman Saha (Kings XI Punjab) - 4/10

The Indian Test wicket-keeper has had limited opportunities with the bat this season after being a regular in the top 4 in 2016. However, that hasn't affected his performances behind the stumps as evidenced by a couple of stunning catches. His catch to dismiss Mandeep Singh of RCB was among the best takes by a keeper this IPL. Given that Amla has departed, Saha may find himself getting more chances with the bat at the top.

#6 Kedar Jadhav (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - 5/10

Kedar Jadhav RCB IPL.jpg
Caption

The new age Indian finisher, Kedhar Jadhav has had a dull run in IPL 2017 much akin to the performances of his side, Royal Challengers Bangalore. Inspite of playing a couple of handy knocks, Jadhav hasn't quite got going as a batsman. His keeping has been just made the grade as except for a big stumping miss against Kings XI, the keeping has been tidy. But RCB needs more from their finisher and keeper.


#5 Parthiv Patel (Mumbai Indians) - 7/10

Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel has come up good with the willow

The diminutive Mumbai keeper has once again excelled at the top of the order this IPL. With Rohit moving to no. four, Patel is the more experienced hand at the top and has more often than not kickstarted Mumbai to a solid start. His stroke making and placements have been eye-catching this season and his work behind the stumps have also been pretty good.

#4 Dinesh Karthik (Gujarat Lions) - 7.5/10

Dinesh Karthik Gujarat Lions IPL
Dinesh Karthik has been a star performer for Gujarat

Dinesh Karthik was in terrific touch in the domestic One day season and has carried forward that form into the IPL. Batting in the top four, Karthik has more often than not helped Gujarat in the middle overs in the company of Suresh Raina. He also became the first keeper to 100 dismissals in the IPL.

#3 MS Dhoni (Rising Pune Supergiants) - 7.5/10

MS Dhoni of Rising Pune Supergiant.JPG
Dhoni has again shown off his ability to win games with his bat

Putting aside heavy criticism, MS Dhoni has put in some good performances for the Pune franchise this season. With his wicket-keeping as good as ever, Dhoni has walked in earlier than usual often this season and delivered. His match-winning show against Sunrisers Hyderabad is a testimony to the season Pune have had since a slow beginning.

#2 Rishabh Pant (Delhi Daredevils) - 8/10

Rishabh Pant Delhi Daredevils IPL.jpg
Rishabh Pant has once again shown his potential in the IPL

The aggressive Delhi Daredevils' keeper has been the most talked about the keeper in the IPL thus far, especially after his severe onslaught on the Gujarat Lions. Known for his outrageous stroke making, Pant has been poorly used by Delhi until he was pushed up to number three. The move saw him smash a brilliant 97 two games later. Pant has also pulled off some stunners behind the stumps and his season became more colourful when India announced him as one of the backup players in the Champions Trophy squad.

#1 Robin Uthappa (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 9/10

Robin Uthappa KKR IPL 2017 batting
Robin Uthappa has been smashing them out of the park at the top of the order for KKR

The dynamic Kolkata wicket-keeper batsman has delivered on his promise to shine this season. With some aggressive, match winning half-centuries, Robin Uthappa has once again enjoyed a productive IPL season. His work behind the stumps has also been tidy but an injury has seen him miss the last few games.

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Edited by Staff Editor