It has always been said that wicket-keepers play a crucial role in a game of cricket as he has to be active throughout. However, over the years, there has been a progressive shift in the role of a wicket-keeper in Test cricket.
There used to be a time when the glovemen were included solely for their glovework, batting at No.8 or below, but in the last couple of decades, the expectations from a wicket-keeper have increased. Apart from being absolutely clinical behind the stumps, they are now expected to be able to bat in the top seven and contribute to the team by making runs consistently.
Following MS Dhoni’s retirement from Tests, it was Bengal wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha who has been trying to fill in the big boots. And he did so in style. Regarded as one of the most technically sound wicket-keepers in India, Saha made an impressive record of 10 dismissals in the ongoing Test against South Africa at Cape Town. With the feat, he became the first Indian with 10 dismissals in a single Test match by his predecessor MS Dhoni.
Saha overtook Dhoni’s record which he set during the Melbourne Test against Australia in 2014. Mahi managed an astonishing 8 catches and one stumping to complete his all 9 dismissals. Saha picked five catches in each of the two innings to take the no.1 position.
Wriddhiman Saha: 10 catches vs South Africa in 2018
MS Dhoni: 9 catches vs Australia in 2014
Nayan Mongia: 9 catches vs SA in 1996 & vs Pakistan in 1999
Also, Saha became only the fifth gloveman ever to scalp ten dismissals in a match. Saha joined the elite list featuring Robert Taylor and Adam Gilchrist to take 10 catches, while he is now only behind Jack Russell and AB De Villiers in this illustrious list.
RC Russell (Eng): 11 vs South Africa in 1995
AB de Villiers (SA): 11 vs Pakistan in 2013
Robert Taylor (NZ): 10 vs India in 1980
Adam Gilchrist (Aus): 10 vs New Zealand in 2000
Wriddhiman Saha (Ind): 10 vs South Africa in 2018
The only other Indian that secures a spot on the list is Nayan Mongia. Ever since the start of his international career, Mongia would become an integral part of the Indian team that dominated Test cricket in sub-continent conditions. His maximum of 8 dismissals during India’s tour to the rainbow nation in 1996 stands out as the highlight of his career.
Here is the list of Indian wicket-keepers with most catches in a Test match:
