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MS Dhoni is arguably India’s best wicketkeeper-batter of all time, and Pant is India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in Test cricket these days.
Ruturaj Gaikwad picks best wicketkeeper of India. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad interacted with kids in Tamil Nadu after the conclusion of Maharashtra’s first match of the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament against Chhattisgarh, and during the interaction, when asked to name the best wicketkeeper in India, he stunned everyone by taking his own name over the likes of legendary MS Dhoni, who he plays with in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, and Rishabh Pant, who is India’s first-choice stumper in the five-day format of the game.
When asked, “Who is the best keeper in India?” Ruturaj pointed a finger at himself and said, “You didn’t see my keeping? You should see. Go and watch on YouTube. Instead of watching Shoaib Akhtar, watch me keeping.”
During the interaction, Gaikwad was also asked to name the hardest bowler he faced, and he mentioned Trent Boult’s name.
Boult played for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020 and 2021 when Gaikwad made his debut, and from 2022 to 2024 he was part of the Rajasthan Royals set-up. The former Kiwi pacer was signed for Rs 12.50 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction by MI again, and he lived up to the billing by picking up 22 wickets in 16 matches this year.
In the viral interaction with the kids, Ruturaj also enjoyed some light-hearted banter.
When Gaikwad asked the children which IPL team they like, they said, “CSK, CSK!” But when he asked again, “Any other teams you like in IPL?” then some mentioned RCB and Mumbai Indians names, after which Gaikwad said, “Out, out!” and followed up with, “Put up your hand if you cheer for other teams… Everyone will remember your name and won’t select you in CSK in the IPL.”
Gaikwad failed to fire
In Maharashtra’s first match of the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, Gaikwad failed to do much with the bat in both innings. He came out to bat at No. 4 in the first innings but could only manage to score 1 run from four balls, and in the second innings, he made 11 runs from 32 balls as a No. 6 batter. Gaikwad’s flop show with the bat cost Maharashtra, as they suffered a shocking defeat by 35 runs.
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