When we think of wicketkeepers in Indian cricket, the first images that come to mind are lightning-fast stumpings, safe hands behind the stumps, and sharp match awareness. Bowling, however, is rarely associated with wicketkeepers. Their primary role is to keep wickets, guide bowlers, and support the captain on the field. Yet, cricket has always been a game full of surprises, and Indian cricket has witnessed a few rare moments where wicketkeepers stepped in to bowl in international matches.
These moments may not have produced long bowling spells or match winning figures, but they remain fascinating chapters in cricket history. Let’s take a closer look at the Indian wicketkeepers who have bowled in international cricket and the stories behind those unusual overs.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeepers and captains in the history of the game. Known for his calm mind and tactical brilliance, Dhoni’s decision to bowl himself in international cricket was not about taking wickets it was about strategy.
Dhoni bowled in One Day Internationals (ODIs), primarily to exploit a loophole in the rules that allowed captains to change ends or reset overcounts. His medium-pace deliveries were gentle, safe, and clearly not meant to trouble batters. Instead, they were used as a clever captaincy move to manage overs and field placements. While Dhoni didn’t claim any wickets, his brief bowling appearances became talking points among fans and experts alike, highlighting his sharp cricketing brain.
Kiran More, India’s wicketkeeper during the late 1980s and early 1990s, was known for his energy and vocal presence behind the stumps. Few remember, however, that he also rolled his arm over in international cricket.
More bowled in Test cricket, making him one of the rare Indian wicketkeepers to do so in the longest format of the game. His bowling was purely part-time and situational, often used when the match demanded experimentation or when regular bowlers needed rest. Though his spells were short and wicketless, they remain an interesting footnote in India’s cricketing history.
Farokh Engineer, one of India’s most stylish wicketkeeper-batters from the 1960s and early 1970s, also finds a place on this unusual list. Known for his elegant stroke play and confident glove work, Engineer bowled occasionally in Test matches.
Cricket in that era was far more flexible with roles, and part-time bowling from non-specialists was more common. Engineer’s bowling wasn’t a regular feature, but his willingness to contribute in any way reflected the all-round mindset of players from his generation.
Wicketkeepers almost never bowl in international cricket for practical reasons. The physical demands of keeping wickets constant squatting, quick reflexes, and long hours of concentration make it difficult to also perform as a bowler. Additionally, international teams are packed with specialist bowlers, leaving little need for a wicketkeeper to step in.
When wicketkeepers do bowl, it’s usually due to unusual match situations, strategic experimentation, or light-hearted moments in one-sided games.
Even though Indian wicketkeepers who bowled internationally didn’t produce memorable bowling figures, their appearances are significant because they showcase cricket’s unpredictability. These moments remind fans that the game isn’t just about rigid roles it’s about adaptability, creativity, and sometimes, fun.
For players like MS Dhoni, these overs highlighted leadership and tactical intelligence. For others like Kiran More and Farokh Engineer, they reflected an era where players were expected to contribute wherever possible.
The list of Indian wicketkeepers who have bowled in international cricket is short, but it’s filled with intriguing stories. From Dhoni’s clever captaincy to the old-school flexibility of Engineer and the rare experiments involving Kiran More, these moments add depth to India’s rich cricketing history.
Cricket thrives on such rare and unexpected events, and that’s precisely why fans continue to cherish them long after the matches are over.
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