In the fast-moving T20 cricket format, the demand for high-quality wicketkeeper-batters has constantly risen. That’s why we saw IPL franchises spending crores of money to secure top-notch wicketkeeper-batters. For instance, ahead of IPL 2025 auction, Heinrich Klaasen was retained by SRH for a hefty price, while Jos Buttler received a big cheque at the auction and is now set to represent Gujarat Titans.
If we go back in the past around the auction time, there was considerable buzz about how much franchises would spend on wicketkeepers, and they spent heavily. Rishabh Pant, for example, became the most expensive player in IPL history. These developments showed the importance of aggressive wicketkeepers in T20 cricket.
Beyond Indian wicketkeepers, overseas wicketkeepers have also garnered massive attention this year. With IPL 2025 coming, expectations are high for these overseas players to deliver for their respective franchises. Look at the top most important overseas wicketkeepers who could capture the public’s attention in IPL 2025.
Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler emerged as the most expensive overseas player, with Gujarat Titans buying him for INR 15.75 crores. Buttler, who consistently served Rajasthan Royals from 2018 to 2024, gave countless memorable performances for the franchise and amassed over 3,000 IPL runs, including two centuries. He has always been one of the most prolific wicketkeeper-batters, understanding the importance of scoring runs at the top. Now, he will look to replicate the same success for Gujarat Titans and is set to be one of the most important overseas wicketkeepers in the upcoming IPL.
Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen grabbed attention during the IPL retention period when he received a substantial cheque from Sunrisers Hyderabad, securing his place as a key retention for IPL 2025. The South African power hitter was retained at a hefty price of INR 23 crore, making him the top pick for the franchise. Known for his explosive batting, Klaasen has played 35 IPL matches so far, amassing 993 runs at an impressive average of 38.19.
His retention price clearly highlights how much SRH values him as a superstar wicketkeeper-batter. Klaasen performed exceptionally well for the team in the last few seasons and was one of the key reasons SRH reached the finals last year. Alongside Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, Klaasen delivered impressive performances with the bat, and all eyes will now be on him to see how he performs in the upcoming season.
Quinton de Kock
One of the most dominant batters, Quinton de Kock, who has served several IPL teams, is now set to go with KKR as they acquired him at a reasonable price of INR 3.6 crore. With 107 IPL matches under his belt and over 3,000 runs to his name, de Kock’s experience as a batter is undeniable.
His wicketkeeping skills have also often taken centre stage, proving his all-round value to any team. There is no question about the impact de Kock can have, and he will aim to use all his experience to help KKR secure another IPL trophy.
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