Who should be India’s wicketkeepers across formats? Wisden readers have their say

Ever since MS Dhoni‘s international career went into limbo, India’s wicketkeepers’ slot has been a much-debated topic, with Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha and KL Rahul all emerging as contenders across formats.

In Tests, the conundrum began back in 2014, when Dhoni quit the longest format, a void that was dutifully filled by Saha before he got injured, and Pant staked his claim for the spot. Dhoni continued to be the primary choice in ODIs and T20Is until last year’s World Cup, following which the former captain made himself unavailable for selection.

Pant and Rahul have been the top two options in ODIs and T20Is, with Rahul being preferred for both the formats in this year’s tour of New Zealand, keeping Pant on the sidelines.

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We asked Wisden India’s followers to select their first-choice wicketkeepers in all three formats.

And Saha, the veteran Test stumper, emerged as the preferred choice at home for many, given his unmatched ability to keep up to spinners, and handle the odd turn and bounce on Indian pitches, as well as late swing.

If Saha is fit , then in Indian condition, obviously He will be the 1st choice , but in overseas condition, this will be Rishabh ,, and in limited overs , if MSD is not available, then India must go with KL👍

— Samiran Krishna Deka (@SamiranKrishna) July 2, 2020

Pant still need to work on his skills (keeping and batting aswell if he wants to cement his place in indian team.
Saha is no doubt the best keeper we have now since MSD is no longer part of current team.

— Proud Mumbaikar (@ShyamDa00604150) July 2, 2020

For limited overs, Rahul’s form with the bat seemed to have given him an edge over Pant. That said, the 22-year-old Pant is still looked upon as the long-term option to eventually replace the 35-year-old Saha in Tests.

For now , Rahul in Limited Overs and Saha in Tests . Rahul can slowly be moulded into a Test keeper for the next 2 to 3 yrs to eventually replace Saha . Pant can be the 2nd keeper in both .

— Arkyaprabha (@arkya29_) July 2, 2020

@RishabhPant17 in test matches for away tours and @Wriddhipops for home matches and @klrahul11 in T20Is , for odi you can make shift between @klrahul11 and @RishabhPant17 depending on the form.

— Avi Kaul (@kaul_avi) July 2, 2020

Not everyone is convinced with Saha’s recent form with the bat, though, and would prefer Pant in the Test side. Mind you, he has two overseas Test centuries, more than any other Indian wicketkeeper. His ball-striking skills in the IPL have also made him a popular choice – after 54 games, his strike-rate is a stunning 162.69.

If Rahul is going to bat 5, then give him the gloves in ODIs.

As much as I love Saha, he doesn't score enough runs so it's time Pant gets the job full-time. We can't afford to have a keeper who doesn't score runs. Pant can be our Gilchrist.

— Arup Ghose (@arup_ghose) July 2, 2020

KL Rahul, although not a specialist wicketkeeper, has been a handy option both in the IPL and in a makeshift role for India on occasion. Given his recent work behind the sticks, some are happy with him to continue in the role in both white-ball formats. In the IPL, too, Rahul has been a revelation for Kings XI Punjab, averaging 50+ in the last two seasons.

https://twitter.com/PadmsenS/status/1278763657124405248

@klrahul11 for limited overs is a no brainer. He hasn't put a foot wrong! For tests, Saha is undoubtedly the best keeper we have. But, KL can be groomed to be the successor. With all his class, he won't take much time to own the position.

— Pranay Neema (@Pranay_Neema) July 2, 2020

Sanju Samson, who has been a regular at the IPL but has featured in only four T20Is across five years, also found some support from the readers.