Top 5 Indian Wicket-Keeper Batters with Most Runs in Test Cricket

Being a wicket-keeper in Test cricket is one of the most demanding roles on the field. A wicket-keeper batter has to stay crouched behind the stumps for countless overs across five days and still be ready to contribute with the bat in both innings. It takes not just skill, but immense stamina and mental strength.

Over the years, several wicket-keeper batters have made their mark in the Indian Test team. Some of them have gone on to have long and successful careers in the format. When it comes to appearances, MS Dhoni leads the pack, having played 90 Test matches for India. Right behind him is Syed Kirmani, who featured in 88 Tests. Interestingly, these two are the only Indian wicket-keeper batters to have played more than 50 Tests.

Following them are Kiran More with 49 Tests and Farokh Engineer with 46 Tests.

In terms of batting achievements, no Indian wicket-keeper has yet crossed the 5000-run mark in Test cricket. However, two have scored over 3000 runs, and four have managed to go past 2500 runs.

With that context, let’s take a look at the top five Indian wicket-keeper batters with most Test runs.

5. Nayan Mongia - 1442 runs

Nayan Mongia secures the fifth spot on this list. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batter represented India in 44 Test matches between 1994 and 2001. Over 68 innings, he amassed 1,442 runs at an average of 24.03. His career-best performance came in the form of a gritty 152-run knock. Throughout his Test career, Mongia registered one century and six half-centuries, playing several valuable innings for the team.

4. Farokh Engineer - 2611

Farokh Engineer, one of India's finest wicket-keeper batters, scored 2,611 runs in 46 Test matches, placing him fourth on the list of Indian wicket-keepers with the most Test runs. Representing India from 1961 to 1975, the right-handed batter maintained a solid batting average of 31.08 across 87 innings. His Test career included two centuries and 16 half-centuries, with a highest score of 121 against England in February 1973.

3. Syed Kirmani - 2759 runs

Syed Kirmani enjoyed a distinguished Test career spanning a decade from 1976 to 1986, during which he represented India in 88 matches. As a dependable wicketkeeper-batter, he accumulated 2,759 runs across 124 innings at an average of 27.04. Kirmani notched up two Test centuries—an unbeaten 101* against Australia and a 102-run effort against England. In addition to his centuries, he also recorded 12 half-centuries, contributing consistently with the bat while excelling behind the stumps.

2. Rishabh Pant - 3200

With 3,200 runs in 44 matches, Rishabh Pant holds the second spot on this list. Since making his Test debut in 2018, Pant has featured in 77 innings and boasts an impressive batting average of 44.44.

The dynamic left-hander has scored eight Test centuries—the most by an Indian wicketkeeper in the format. His highest score remains an unbeaten 159*, achieved against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2019.

1. MS Dhoni - 4876

Former India captain MS Dhoni tops the list with an impressive record in Test cricket. The right-handed batter amassed 4,876 runs in 144 innings at a solid average of 38.09. Dhoni featured in 90 Tests during his career from 2005 to 2014. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing mind, the Indian legend registered six centuries and 33 half-centuries, including a career-best double century (224) against Australia in February 2013.

Cover Credits - India Today