In a stunning display of wicketkeeping prowess, KL Rahul has etched his name in the record books of Indian cricket history by surpassing the record set by none other than the current head coach, Rahul Dravid. During the final clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Rahul secured his 17th dismissal in the 2023 ODI World Cup, breaking Dravid’s longstanding record of 15 catches and one stumping achieved during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.
The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman achieved this feat by taking the crucial catch of Mitchell Marsh, delivered by the lethal bowling of Jasprit Bumrah. Rahul’s exceptional performance behind the stumps has been a highlight of the tournament, with an impressive tally of 16 catches and one stumping in the ongoing World Cup.
| Player | Matches | Dismissals | Catches | Stumpings | Year |
| KL Rahul | 11 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 2023 |
| Rahul Dravid | 11 | 16 | 15 | 1 | 2003 |
| MS Dhoni | 8 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 2015 |
| Syed Kirmani | 8 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 1983 |
| Kiran More | 6 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 1987 |
Not only has Rahul shone with the gloves, but he has also exhibited his prowess with the bat. In the final, he played a pivotal role in rescuing India from a precarious position, contributing a resilient 66 runs off 107 balls. His innings proved instrumental in steering the team away from a challenging situation, with India reeling at 81 for three.
The significance of Rahul’s achievement becomes evident when comparing the statistics of Indian wicketkeepers in single ODI World Cups. With 17 dismissals, including 16 catches and one stumping, Rahul has set a new benchmark for wicketkeeper contributions in a single edition of the tournament. This places him ahead of cricketing legends like Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni, showcasing his skill and impact on the field.
As India celebrated their triumph in the 2023 ODI World Cup, KL Rahul’s dual role as a dependable wicketkeeper and a resilient batsman stood out, solidifying his status as a crucial asset for Indian cricket in the years to come.
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