Wicket-keepers are natural leaders, says Deep Dasgupta

If Dinesh Karthik had stayed on as Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain, five out of eight franchises would have had wicket-keepers as leaders of their respective teams this year. With the likes of MS Dhoni (CSK), Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals), KL Rahul (Punjab Kings) and Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals) at the helm of affairs, there is certainly a big connection here.

While a very common example of a wicket-keeper being a good leader would be MS Dhoni, some might argue that that was a one-in-a-million case. However, the captaincy choices of teams for this year's IPL suggest that Dhoni was a rule rather than an exception.

Former Indian stumper Deep Dasgupta is convinced about the connection between wicket-keeping and leadership.

Dasgupta, who has led his state team Bengal to two Ranji Trophy finals, spoke to Sportskeeda hours before IPL’s first game between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai on Friday.

He said, “Without the badge of being the captain also, wicket-keepers are fielding captains. They are natural leaders,”

“You have to understand the role of the captain in a team and it is to get the squad together. I don’t think there is a better choice than a wicket-keeper doing that. While batting, captain doesn’t have much of a role but while fielding you have to lead the side on your own. At that hour, who is the most active guy on the field?” Dasgupta asked.

Rishabh Pant is the captain for Delhi Capitals

The wicket-keeper is constantly watching from behind the stumps, and that helps him view the game from a unique perspective.

“If you are behind the stumps, it is a part of the job to lead the side whether you are a captain or not,” Dasgupta suggested.

Many wicket-keepers are natural leaders in addition to being good batsmen as well

Who can forget how Dhoni used to be the de-facto captain of the Indian team after passing on the captaincy baton to Virat Kohli? It came down to a situation where Dhoni had to do his bit more because of his responsibility and experience. The acumen of the wicket-keepers is reflected by the fact that some of the best batsmen in Indian cricket are all wicket-keepers.

The surge of batting talent through the IPL has also seen the birth of Ishan Kishan. Gone are the days when the critics questioned the presence of four wicket-keepers in the playing XI like it happened in the 2019 World Cup semi-final game against New Zealand. In that match, India had four wicket-keepers in Dhoni, Pant, KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik.