IPL 2026: Five wicketkeepers to watch out for this season

As the countdown to IPL 2026 begins, team combinations are taking shape, with the wicketkeeper’s role once again emerging as a critical tactical lever—balancing batting depth, flexibility and the Impact Player strategy.

Here are five wicketkeepers to watch this season:

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)

Also Read: Punjab Kings: IPL’s eternal enigma still chasing its perfect season, a look at how the franchise has done since the first season


Even at this stage of his career, Dhoni remains central to CSK’s plans. With Sanju Samson joining the franchise, questions remain over who will take the gloves, but Dhoni’s experience and match awareness keep him firmly in focus.

Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)

Pant continues to be among the most influential wicketkeeper-batters in the league. His role at LSG goes beyond keeping, anchoring the middle order while providing explosiveness when required.

Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians)

Back in Mumbai colours for a bargain fee, De Kock is expected to be a first-choice starter. His dual ability as a reliable keeper and aggressive opener makes him a key asset, with youngster Robin Minz as backup.

Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans)

One of the most consistent performers in the IPL, Buttler’s value lies in his ability to combine top-order firepower with dependable wicketkeeping, giving his side crucial balance.

Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Klaasen has evolved into one of the most dangerous middle-order hitters in T20 cricket. His presence as a wicketkeeper-batter offers teams flexibility, especially in finishing roles against spin-heavy attacks.

The bigger picture

IPL 2026 is seeing a growing trend of hybrid roles, with teams increasingly separating keeping and batting duties. At Royal Challengers Bengaluru, for instance, Phil Salt is likely to feature primarily as a batter, while Jitesh Sharma handles wicketkeeping duties to optimise team balance.

Also Read: Royal Challengers Bengaluru: The rise, the heartbreaks and the breakthrough IPL title

With shifting combinations and strategic trades, the wicketkeeper’s role is no longer just about glovework—it is central to how teams structure their XIs in the season ahead.